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Underground Utility Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

NORTHERN LIGHTS & JDH CONTRACTING

Utility Locator

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, Inc. has been protecting underground utility infrastructure since 2001. We operate 24/7/365 and work nationwide on critical utility locating, inspection, and ...

NORTHERN LIGHTS & JDH CONTRACTING

Utility Locator

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, Inc. has been protecting underground utility infrastructure since 2001. We operate 24/7/365 and work nationwide on critical utility locating, inspection, and ...

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$30

How much do underground utility jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground utility in Missouri is $18.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underground utility?

An Underground Utility job involves installing, repairing, and maintaining essential infrastructure such as water, sewer, gas, and telecommunications lines beneath the ground. Workers use specialized equipment to dig trenches, lay pipes or cables, and ensure proper connections. Safety and adherence to regulations are crucial due to the risks of working around existing utilities. These jobs are essential for urban development, water management, and communication networks.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an underground utility?

To thrive as an Underground Utility worker, you need hands-on experience with utility installation, repair, and maintenance, along with knowledge of safety standards and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like pipe locators, trenchers, and reading utility maps, as well as OSHA certifications, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication help workers excel in diverse and often physically demanding environments. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and accurate completion of utility projects while minimizing risks to personnel and infrastructure.

What challenges do underground utility workers face on the job?

Underground Utility workers often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, dealing with unexpected obstructions or utility line locations, and adapting to varying site conditions and weather. Precision and attention to detail are essential to avoid damaging existing utilities or causing safety hazards. Teamwork and communication are crucial, as crews must coordinate closely to follow plans, adjust to field discoveries, and ensure everyone's safety. Overcoming these challenges not only builds technical expertise but also fosters a supportive and efficient team environment.

How to become an underground utility contractor?

To become an underground utility contractor, you typically need relevant experience in construction or utility work, knowledge of excavation and piping, and often a state or local contractor's license. Obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training and understanding local regulations are also important steps in establishing credibility in this field.

Is an underground utility locator a good job?

An underground utility locator is a skilled tradesperson responsible for detecting and marking underground pipes and cables using specialized equipment. The job often requires physical activity, attention to detail, and certifications such as OSHA training, with work typically performed outdoors in various weather conditions. It can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement in the utility and construction industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Underground Utility jobs in Missouri?

The most popular types of Underground Utility jobs in Missouri are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Underground Utility jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Underground Utility job openings:

Underground Utility jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Utility job openings in Missouri 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 $38,485 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Underground Utility Laborer

Emery Sapp and Sons, Inc.

Columbia, MO • On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Emery Sapp & Sons rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are seeking a Underground Utility Laborer to join our Columbia Operations team and support the day-to-day operations of our construction projects.
The Underground Utility Laborer supports the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground utility systems, including water, sewer, storm drainage, electrical, telecommunications, and gas infrastructure. This position performs physically demanding work, assists equipment operators and utility crews, and helps ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to specifications.
Responsibilities:
  • Assist with excavation, trenching, backfilling, and site preparation activities.
  • Install, repair, and maintain underground utility lines and related infrastructure.
  • Load, unload, and transport materials, tools, and equipment.
  • Operate hand tools and small power tools safely and effectively.
  • Assist equipment operators during utility installation and repair work.
  • Identify and expose existing underground utilities using approved methods.
  • Follow utility plans, blueprints, maps, and supervisor instructions.
  • Set up traffic control devices and maintain safe work zones.
  • Clean and maintain work sites, equipment, and tools.
  • Report unsafe conditions, incidents, and equipment issues promptly.
  • Follow all company, OSHA, and local safety regulations.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1 +year of experience in underground utilities preferred
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
  • Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and working in all weather conditions
  • Basic math and measurement skills
  • Ability to follow directions and work independently or as part of a team

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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