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Union Excavator Jobs in Rochester, MA (NOW HIRING)

This Heavy Equipment Operator position is a member of the International Union of Operating ... You'll handle tasks such as paving, excavation, trenching, and curbing, operating various heavy ...

Union Excavator information

See Rochester, MA salary details

$14

$26

$42

How much do union excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for union excavator in Rochester, MA is $26.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.26 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a union excavator?

Union Excavators are skilled heavy equipment operators who are members of a labor union, such as the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). They are responsible for operating excavators and similar machinery on construction sites to dig trenches, foundations, and perform site grading. Being part of a union provides these workers with negotiated wages, benefits, job protections, and access to training programs, ensuring a higher standard of safety and professional development. Union Excavators often work on large-scale public infrastructure and private construction projects.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a union excavator?

To thrive as a Union Excavator, you need proficiency in operating heavy equipment, understanding excavation techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent along with union apprenticeship training. Familiarity with construction site safety protocols, GPS machine control systems, and the ability to maintain and inspect equipment are important technical aspects. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate with crew members and adapt to changing job site conditions. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and accurate excavation work, which is critical for the success of construction projects.

What challenges do union excavators face on construction sites and how are they addressed?

Union Excavators often encounter challenges such as working in variable weather conditions, operating heavy machinery in tight or uneven spaces, and coordinating with multiple trades on busy job sites. Safety is a top priority, so regular training and adherence to strict safety protocols help mitigate risks. Effective communication with site supervisors and other crew members is crucial to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Union support and ongoing professional development also provide resources for overcoming on-the-job challenges.

What is the difference between Union Excavator vs Non-Union Excavator?

AspectUnion ExcavatorNon-Union Excavator
CredentialsTypically requires union certifications and training programsMay require similar certifications but less standardized
Work EnvironmentWorks on unionized job sites with collective bargaining agreementsWorks on non-union sites, often with more flexible policies
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large construction firms and projects with union contractsMore prevalent in smaller companies or private projects
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for benefits, wages, and job securityCompared for flexibility, pay rates, and work conditions

Union excavators are part of organized labor, often enjoying higher wages and benefits due to collective bargaining. Non-union excavators may have more flexibility in work hours and pay but might lack the same level of job security and benefits. The choice depends on individual preferences and project requirements.

What job categories do people searching Union Excavator jobs in Rochester, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Union Excavator jobs in Rochester, MA are:

What cities near Rochester, MA are hiring for Union Excavator jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MA with the most Union Excavator job openings:

Infographic showing various Union Excavator job openings in Rochester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,932 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Scale House Operator

Swansea, MA • On-site

Charter Contracting Company LLC
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Scale Operator / Clerk – Swansea, MA
Charter Contracting Company is hiring qualified personnel in the Massachusetts Area! Charter is a growing Boston based non-union Civil/Environmental Remediation Contractor with jobsites throughout all of New England. Types of projects include but are not limited to environmental remediation, demolition, excavation, dredging, utility work, landfill cap and closures.
Charter is currently looking to fill a Scale Operator/Clerk position in Everett and Swansea, MA.
The ideal candidate would have the following qualities:
  • Organized, self-motivated, reliable and safety orientated individual
  • Perform clerical duties for incoming shipments to the landfill, including the review of shipping documents, recording shipment information, and communicating with truck drivers and site personnel
  • Computer skills with experience in MS Excel and Word
  • Will provide job training on scale software
  • Additional duties could include operating a street sweeper and water truck, as well as other general construction labor activities to support the landfill operations
  • Must have a license and reliable transportation
Hourly Wage, with potential for additional overtime hours. Wage rate negotiated based on experience. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be in good physical condition and endurance as they are regularly required to push, pull and lift more than 50 lbs. Ability to work aloft, climb ladders, staging/scaffolding and other aerial equipment. Long hours spent on your feet and working in various types of conditions (snow, rain, cold and heat to name a few). At times, will be required to perform work above your head and in tight quarters.
Interested candidates should reply to this ad with their resume attached. Only candidates considered for interviews will be contacted.
Charter Contracting Company, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form 1-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
$25 - $27 / Hour
To learn more about Charter, please go to: https://charter.us/