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Utility Locator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

USIC

Utility Locator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Franklin, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Franklin, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Franklin, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

USIC

Utility Locator

Knoxville, TN

$20/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

Trilon

Underground Utility Locator (SUE)

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$25 - $33/hr

HMB Professional Engineers is seeking an Underground Utility Locator to join our team and help us expand our SUE capabilities. The right candidate will have 5+ years of experience in locating ...

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All JobsUtility Locator JobsUtility Locator Jobs in Tennessee

Utility Locator information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$16

$24

How much do utility locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility locator in Tennessee is $16.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Utility Locators often encounter challenges such as inaccurate or outdated utility maps, congested underground infrastructure, and difficult terrain or weather conditions. To overcome these, they rely on advanced locating equipment, thorough pre-job planning, and clear communication with utility companies and contractors. Ongoing training and staying current with industry standards also help Utility Locators accurately identify and mark utilities, reducing the risk of damage or service interruptions.

Is a utility locator a good career?

A utility locator is a skilled profession that involves identifying underground utilities to prevent damage during construction or excavation. It typically requires knowledge of mapping tools, safety procedures, and sometimes certification, offering steady employment and opportunities for advancement in the construction and infrastructure industries.

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 solid understanding of utility systems, map reading, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency with electromagnetic locating equipment, GPS devices, and utility mapping software is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately identifying underground utilities and preventing costly or dangerous excavation errors.

What does a utility locator do?

As a utility locator, your job is to locate, identify, and mark underground utilities before construction or other projects in an area. As part of this, you may research the history of utility in the areas, document any irregularities, enforce utility separation requirements, and provide customer support for contractors and homeowners. In some cases, you may also need to operate small or medium-sized vehicles, direct traffic away from a work site, review proposed construction plans, act independently, or attend inspection meetings. Many utility locators are responsible for enforcing occupational safety requirements in any area they visit. Utility Locators are often, but not always, government employees. Private companies may have additional requirements for this position, including the ability to do administrative work.

What is the difference between Utility Locator vs Pipe Locator?

AspectUtility LocatorPipe Locator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, utility locating certificationsOSHA safety training, utility locating certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, urban and rural areasConstruction sites, urban and rural areas
Industry UsageUtility locating for various underground servicesLocating underground pipes, especially water, gas, or sewer lines
Search IntentFinding underground utilities to prevent damageLocating underground pipes for repair or installation

Utility Locators and Pipe Locators often share similar skills and work environments, but Utility Locators have a broader focus on various underground utilities, while Pipe Locators specialize in underground pipes. Both roles require safety certifications and are essential in construction and infrastructure projects to prevent damage and ensure safety.

What does a utility locator do?

A Utility Locator is responsible for identifying and marking the position of underground utilities such as gas, water, sewer, electric, and telecommunications lines before excavation or construction work begins. They use specialized equipment, such as electromagnetic sensors and ground-penetrating radar, to detect and map the location of buried infrastructure. This work helps prevent damage to utilities, ensures worker safety, and reduces the risk of service disruptions. Utility Locators also maintain records of their findings and often communicate with contractors, utility companies, and local authorities.
More about Utility Locator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Locator jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Utility Locator jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Locator jobs in Tennessee? For Utility Locator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Locator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Locator jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Utility Locator jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Utility Locator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Locator jobs in TN? For Utility Locator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Utility Locator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Locator job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 16% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,779 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Underground Utility Locator (SUE)

Trilon Group

Nashville, TN • On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Underground Utility Locator (SUE)
Department: Construction/CEI
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Nashville, TN
Compensation: $25.00 - $33.00 / hour
Description
HMB Professional Engineers is seeking an Underground Utility Locator to join our team and help us expand our SUE capabilities. The right candidate will have 5+ years of experience in locating underground utilities using a variety of locating methods. This position will be part of our Utility Coordination Team and will be cross trained to develop other skills within the group.
Key Responsibilities
  • Locate, identify, and map location and depths of utilities (underground and overhead)
  • Operate detection equipment to locate and mark underground facilities
  • Perform QA/QC checks
  • Perform assignments under the direction of the Utilities Group Manager and assists as needed
  • Coordinate and work with survey field crews and other office staff
  • Additional duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • Experience with vLoc Series 2 Locator (or similar) or ground penetrating radar
  • 5+ years of experience in utility locating
  • Ability to read and interpret utility maps and prints to identify underground utilities
  • Familiar with 811 and contacts associated with utilities
  • Willing to be cross trained as a member of the Survey Field Team
  • The ability to stand and walk for long periods of time, to bend and stoop, and to lift heavy items is essential; it is also sometimes necessary to enter manholes
  • Available to travel as needed, Monday - Friday
  • Occasional night work may be required
  • Willing and able to work outdoors in various weather conditions
  • Self-motivated with little or no supervision
  • Valid driver's license
  • High School Diploma, or G.E.D. equivalent
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check and drug screening

Benefits
  • Excellent compensation package
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Ability to work hybrid work schedule
  • Competitive holiday and paid-time-off programs
  • 401(k) Plan and Match
  • Competitive health, vision and dental insurance premiums
  • Company-furnished life insurance
  • Short and Long-term Disability
  • Parental Leave
  • Variety of voluntary benefit options
  • Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • and More

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Pay Transparency
The base salary range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location.

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