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Underground Utility Contractor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Q3 Contracting (Q3C), a division of Primoris Services Corporation , is a publicly owned ... Performs safe and accurate locates, locating various types of underground utilities. * Maintains ...

Q3 Contracting has an immediate opening for a Plan and Profile Utility Locator. The Plan and ... Performs safe and accurate locates, locating of various types of underground utilities. * Maintains ...

Potholer/Laborer

Denver, CO · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Safely locate and expose underground utilities per site plans and markings. * Operate various ... Q3 Contracting provides competitive market pay, with a comprehensive benefit package that includes:

Potholer/Laborer

Denver, CO · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Safely locate and expose underground utilities per site plans and markings. * Operate various ... Q3 Contracting provides competitive market pay, with a comprehensive benefit package that includes:

Showing results 41-60

Underground Utility Contractor information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$20

$34

How much do underground utility contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground utility contractor in Colorado is $20.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underground utility contractor?

Underground utility contractors are specialized professionals or companies responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing utility lines that run below the ground, such as water, sewer, gas, electric, and telecommunications lines. They use a range of equipment and techniques to safely excavate, lay pipes or cables, and restore the surface area upon completion. Their work is essential to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of vital services to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. These contractors must adhere to strict safety regulations and often coordinate with municipalities, utility companies, and other construction professionals.

What does an underground utility contractor do?

As an underground utility contractor, your job is to help install and repair sewer and water lines. In this role, you may participate in the excavation of land for pipes, install temporary pipes to minimize disruptions while installing permanent lines, and help address urgent problems like water main breaks. An underground utility contractor usually works on a temporary basis, either helping for a fixed period or the duration of a single project. Contracts may be extended based on the needs of the employer, and many contractors work to form relationships with various utility companies in the area to ensure a steady supply of jobs. This job occasionally involves working around hazardous materials, such as gas pipes or exposed sewage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground utility contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Utility Contractor, you need strong knowledge of construction practices, blueprint reading, and regulatory compliance, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in civil engineering or construction management. Familiarity with heavy machinery, utility locating equipment, and safety systems such as OSHA protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help manage complex projects and coordinate with crews and clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient installation and maintenance of underground utilities while minimizing project risks and delays.

What are some common challenges faced by underground utility contractors on job sites?

Underground utility contractors often encounter challenges such as unexpected utility line locations, varying soil conditions, and inclement weather, all of which can impact project timelines and safety. Coordinating with multiple teams, including engineers, inspectors, and local authorities, is essential to ensure that installations are accurate and compliant with regulations. Staying updated on the latest safety protocols and using advanced detection equipment can help mitigate risks and prevent costly delays.

What is the difference between Underground Utility Contractor vs Excavation Worker?

AspectUnderground Utility ContractorExcavation Worker
CredentialsLicenses, certifications in utility installationBasic OSHA training, possibly some excavation certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground sites, utility lines, trenchesOpen trenches, construction sites, surface excavation
Industry UsageUtility installation, infrastructure projectsGeneral excavation, site preparation

Underground Utility Contractors focus on installing and repairing underground utilities like water, sewer, and electrical lines, often requiring specialized certifications. Excavation Workers perform general digging and site preparation, sometimes assisting utility work but with broader responsibilities. While both roles involve excavation, the utility contractor specializes in underground infrastructure, making their skills and certifications more specific to utility projects.

How much does an underground utility contractor make?

Underground utility contractors typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Skilled workers with certifications and experience in excavation, trenching, and safety protocols may earn higher wages, especially in high-demand areas or specialized roles.

How to become an underground utility contractor?

To become an underground utility contractor, you typically need a combination of relevant experience in excavation and utility installation, a valid contractor's license, and knowledge of safety regulations. Many contractors start as laborers or apprentices to gain skills before obtaining necessary certifications and licenses required in their region.

What are popular job titles related to Underground Utility Contractor jobs in Colorado?

For Underground Utility Contractor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Underground Utility Contractor jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Underground Utility Contractor jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Underground Utility Contractor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,142 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

$29.19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Job description

Job Overview:

Primoris Services Corporationis a leading provider of critical infrastructure services to the utility, energy, and renewables markets throughout the United States and Canada.

Q3 Contracting (Q3C), a division of Primoris Services Corporation, is a publicly owned and operated construction contracting company that provides both specific and turnkey services for its customers in the gas, oil, electric and telecommunications industry. We are headquartered in Minnesota, with branch offices in Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Find the lines and make your mark with a career move to Q3C as a Locator! We are hiring for immediate and future openings.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Performs safe and accurate locates, locating various types of underground utilities.
  • Maintains high standards in both the quality and quantity of locating work.
  • Works to prevent damage to customer facilities by all reasonable and available means.
  • Efficiently manage and coordinate assigned work volumes.
  • Ability to make reasonable commitments and ensure they are upheld.
  • Represents the company in a courteous and professional manner with respect to conduct and appearance with contractors, vendors and customers.
  • Demonstrates respect towards fellow employees at any management or non-management level and honor requests made in relationship to work-related items.
  • Ability to identify and Inform supervisor/foreman when unique construction projects present an elevated danger to customer facilities.
  • Ability to identify and notifies their supervisor/foreman when inaccuracies or omissions in customer maps and records are discovered.
  • Availability to provide work support to other divisions of the company when needed and at supervisor/foreman's request.
  • Willingness to learn new job skills and tasks when the company deems appropriate.
  • Performs all work functions in accordance with the QUS field policy and procedure as well as the QUS Safety Policies and Procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 2 years of line locating experience.
  • CDL with endorsements.

Job Requirements:

  • High School diploma or GED.
  • A valid driver's license with a clean driving history.
  • Solid communication skills and reasoning ability.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with fellow employees, supervisors/foremen, excavators, contractors and customers.
  • Ability to pass drug tests for pre-employment and continuing random tests and possible physicals as required by various state and/or federal agencies and/or QUS for safe operation of equipment.
  • Possess a fundamental understanding of basic locating concepts and a basic understanding of utility distribution.
  • Ability to read and interpret utility maps and utility records.
  • Possess a fundamental understanding of the One Call System rules and regulations.
  • Ability to read and interpret locate ticket request.
    Primoris Gas Operations is a drug free environment. All positions require participation in federally compliant PHMSA or
  • FMSCA drug and alcohol testing programs. This includes both pre-employment and ongoing random testing.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • This is a union position, which means additional benefits may be offered directly through the union. Starting rate is $29.19/hour. Some benefits may include health insurance, apprenticeship and skilled training, continuing education, pension plans, and other resources. For more information, contact the local union.
  • Sick Time Off under the Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
  • Pay dependent on union pay scale.
  • Competitive compensationpaid weekly.
  • Award winning safety programs.
  • Overtime opportunities.
  • Growth Opportunities.

#IH

Company Overview:

Primoris Gas Operations, which consist of companies such as Q3 Contracting, ARB, Primoris Distribution Services, Snelson and Pipejacking Trenchless, has over 60 years of experience working in the natural gas distribution industry. Over this time, we have maintained numerous customer relationships spanning more than two decades. Providing a safe environment, quality workmanship, and exceptional value to our customers is the foremost focus of our operations.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Agency Statement

We are not accepting resumes from Third Party Recruiting Firms for this position. If you are an Agency or Search firm representative, contact the Primoris Talent Acquisition Manager directly for consideration. Primoris or its subsidiaries will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resumes and online response forms through this source. In addition, Primoris or its subsidiaries will not be responsible for any fees on unsolicited resumes that are submitted to any member of the Staffing or Operations team. Primoris has established an approved vendor program for this service and will only consider accepting submissions from those approved firms. For consideration in becoming an approved vendor, contact HR.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.