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Underground Utility Contractor Jobs in Atlanta, GA

C.A. Murren and Sons

Superintendent

Grayson, GA · On-site

Oversee mass grading, excavation, trenching, backfill, compaction, and underground utility ... Murren is a full-service, well established industrial, civil, and power industry contractor ...

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All JobsUnderground Utility Contractor JobsUnderground Utility Contractor Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Underground Utility Contractor information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$9

$18

$31

How much do underground utility contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground utility contractor in Atlanta, GA is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $21.49 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.
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What are popular job titles related to Underground Utility Contractor jobs in Atlanta, GA?

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

What job categories do people searching Underground Utility Contractor jobs in Atlanta, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Underground Utility Contractor jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

Underground Utility Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Utility Contractor job openings in Atlanta, GA 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 $39,456 per year, or $19 per hour.

Senior Distribution Engineer - Transmission & Distribution (Atlanta)

Burns & McDonnell

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction

Job description

The Senior Distribution Engineer will lead design project teams to create world-class designs for new projects, alterations, and redevelopments on various 2.4kV to 34.5kV overhead and underground utility distribution projects. The Senior Distribution Engineer will lead the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting electrical distribution plans according to budget constraints, design factors, or client needs.
  • Lead design of distribution voltage packages for both overhead and underground projects, including distribution equipment installation, feeder replacement, cable replacement, and new feeder design.
  • Review various distribution calculations, including cable pulling, voltage drop, and pole loading calculations.
  • Apply strong knowledge of NESC standards and utility standards, guides, specifications, and procedures.
  • Participate in the development of project schedule, scope, budget, resource forecasting, and construction planning. Responsible for effective management of change orders.
  • Apply knowledge and experience to complex projects to find non-standard design solutions.
  • Oversee or perform Quality Control reviews of project deliverables.
  • Oversee or perform construction administration activities.
  • Lead field inspections for overhead and underground electric facilities on public and private electric utility systems.
  • Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.
  • Build effective relationships with existing clients, customers, and contractors and develop new business opportunities. Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
  • Participate in sales and marketing efforts and identify key pursuits.
  • Lead the development of cost proposals and qualification statements to achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and instruction by mentoring less experienced engineers and designers.
  • Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
  • Responsible for effective communication regarding vegetation management, third-party attachments, right-of-way, and outage planning.
  • Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Complies with all policies and standards
  • Bachelor Degree in Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program. and 7 years of distribution engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred. Required or
  • Bachelor Degree in Engineering or related Engineering Technology degree from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. and 7 years of distribution engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred. Required or
  • Master Degree in Engineering and 6 years of distribution engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred. Required
  • Expert knowledge of electrical distribution power flow.
  • Strong knowledge of overhead and underground construction methods and distribution system equipment.
  • Strong computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Experience in distribution design software and GIS to aid in design.
  • Expert knowledge regarding easements, right-of-way, and permitting for distribution projects.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with leading the design for large projects and delegating work tasks to team members. Ability to lead the execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to perform quality reviews for detailed engineering documents and specifications.
  • Ability to travel.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License Preferred
    EEO/Disabled/Veterans

What Burns & McDonnell employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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