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Utility Locating information

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$13

$18

$26

How much do utility locating jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility locating in the United States is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

In the utility locating field, highly experienced professionals such as senior utility coordinators or specialized contractors working on large infrastructure projects can earn around $3,000 per day, especially when working overtime or on high-value projects. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and the ability to operate specialized equipment in demanding environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utility Locator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Locator, you need a strong understanding of underground utility systems, map reading, and attention to detail, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electromagnetic locating equipment, GIS mapping software, and safety procedures is typically required, along with certifications such as OSHA safety training. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and reliability help you interact effectively with contractors, property owners, and team members. These skills ensure accurate identification and marking of utilities, which is crucial for preventing service interruptions and ensuring job site safety.

What is the difference between Utility Locating vs Pipe Fitting?

AspectUtility LocatingPipe Fitting
Required CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but safety training is commonTrade certifications or technical training required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, construction sites, utility corridorsIndoor and outdoor, construction sites, industrial facilities
Industry UsageUtility companies, construction, excavationPlumbing, construction, industrial facilities
Common Search/ComparisonUtility Locating vs Pipe FittingUtility Locating vs Pipe Fitting

Utility locating involves identifying underground utilities to prevent damage during excavation, while pipe fitting focuses on installing and repairing piping systems. Both roles are essential in construction and maintenance, but utility locators primarily work outdoors with detection equipment, whereas pipe fitters handle pipe assembly and repair in various environments.

What do you need to become a utility locator?

To become a utility locator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of underground utility systems, and training in the use of locating tools such as ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic detectors. Some employers may require certification or on-the-job training to develop skills in safe and accurate utility detection.

How much do utility locators make?

Utility locators in Florida typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000. Compensation can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the job environment.

What are some common challenges utility locators face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Utility locators often work in varied and sometimes unpredictable environments, making it challenging to accurately identify and mark underground utilities, especially in areas with congested or outdated maps. Weather conditions, difficult terrain, and interference from other buried infrastructure can also present obstacles. Effective communication with contractors, property owners, and team members is essential to overcome these challenges, as is using advanced locating equipment and continuously updating one's knowledge of local utility layouts. Ongoing training and adherence to safety protocols help ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of utility strikes.

What are utility locators and what do they do?

Utility locators are professionals who use specialized equipment to identify and mark the location of underground utilities such as gas lines, water pipes, electrical cables, and telecommunications lines. Their main role is to prevent accidental damage during excavation or construction projects by ensuring that workers know where underground infrastructure is buried. This helps protect public safety, prevents costly repairs, and ensures compliance with local regulations. Utility locators often work for private companies, government agencies, or utility providers.

How hard is it to be a utility locator?

Utility locators identify underground utility lines using specialized equipment such as ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic detectors. The job requires attention to detail, knowledge of safety protocols, and often some technical training or certification, but it is generally considered accessible with proper training and experience.
More about Utility Locating jobs
What cities are hiring for Utility Locating jobs? Cities with the most Utility Locating job openings:
What states have the most Utility Locating jobs? States with the most job openings for Utility Locating jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Utility Locating jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Locating jobs are:
Utility Locating jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Locating job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,319 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
General Laborer - Utility Locating - Harrisburg, PA

General Laborer - Utility Locating - Harrisburg, PA

Stake Center Locating

Harrisburg, PA

$20/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Stake Center Locating rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Utility Locator (Field Technician)

Starting pay $20.00!

More than a Job!

Stake Center Locating is hiring entry level Locate Technicians to locate underground utilities, troubleshoot, and mark the ground (using paint and flags), promoting damage prevention in your community. We will train you on the job and equip you with the basic skills to be successful in our 100% paid training. What you’ll need to bring is a preference to work outdoors in all weather, a desire to work independently and an ability to problem solve with speed and accuracy.

What We Offer:

Since 1997, we have been on a mission to make Stake Center a great place to work. We have been working with our locators to make Stake Center the company of choice. What we offer:

  • Pay Rate: $20 per hour.
  • We provide late-model vehicles with a fuel card that allows you to avoid high gas prices on your daily commute. In fact, you take the vehicle home every night (for company use only)!
  • PTO and paid Holidays – best in class
  • We are providing vouchers that can be used on 300+ types of Red Wing safety shoes (a total of $200 after every twelve months of service).
  • 401(k) with company match

Key Responsibilities:

We will train entry level Locating Technicians to:

  • Think Safety First!
  • Use a laptop computer to receive, document and process tickets and email.
  • Read maps, interpret blueprints, and determine the best method & sequence for locating.
  • Use provided locate equipment & technology to accurately locate underground utilities.
  • Communicate effectively with peers, managers, and homeowners.

Qualifications:

  • Eighteen years of age or older.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to walk up to 5 miles a day 2-3 times a week.
  • Ability to carry up to 5 lbs of electronic locating equipment for extended periods of time; lifting objects up to 25 lbs or lifting in excess of 75 lbs with tool aids.
  • Pass pre-employment background and drug screening.

Schedule:

  • Will need to have the ability to work a flexible schedule (some evenings, weekends, and an occasional Holiday) as ticket/production load requires.
  • Employees will respond to emergency calls during scheduled on-call shift rotation.

We understand what is at stake for our employees, our customers, and our customers’ customers. That is why we continually invest in our people, equipment, and technology. To us you are a professional - this is a career not just a job!

What Stake Center Locating employees say

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