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Vacuum Excavation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EPS Group

Utility Locate & Vacuum Excavation Tech

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Safely operate Airvac trucks to expose underground utilities through non-destructive vacuum excavation (potholing) * Operate specialized equipment, such as electromagnetic locators, to detect and ...

Windwave Communications

Vac Truck Operator

Stanfield, OR · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

This position operates hydro-vac and vacuum excavation equipment for daylighting, potholing, utility locating support, non-destructive excavation, and debris removal. We're looking for a skilled ...

New

Essel

Hydro Vac Operator

Stockton, CA

Operate hydro vacuum excavation equipment to safely expose underground utilities and perform excavation in compliance with safety standards. * Perform routine inspections and maintenance on hydro vac ...

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Vacuum Excavation information

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How much do vacuum excavation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for vacuum excavation in the United States is $19.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Vacuum Excavation vs Hydro Excavation?

AspectVacuum ExcavationHydro Excavation
MethodUses high-powered vacuum to remove soil and debrisUses high-pressure water to loosen soil, then vacuum to remove
EquipmentVacuum trucks, suction hosesWater pumps, vacuum trucks, hoses
ApplicationsUtility line installation, potholing, environmental cleanupUtility locating, trenching, delicate excavations
Safety & EnvironmentLess water usage, suitable for sensitive areasUses water, may require containment measures

Vacuum excavation and hydro excavation are closely related methods used in utility and construction industries. Vacuum excavation relies solely on suction to remove soil, making it ideal for sensitive areas. Hydro excavation combines water and vacuum to efficiently and precisely excavate, especially in complex or delicate environments. Both techniques require specialized equipment and certifications, and are essential for safe, efficient underground work.

What are some common challenges faced by vacuum excavation operators on job sites, and how can they be addressed?

Vacuum excavation operators often encounter challenges such as managing underground utility congestion, dealing with varying soil conditions, and ensuring site safety. Navigating around existing utilities requires precision and careful planning, often involving close collaboration with utility locators and site supervisors. Operators must also adapt to soil types that can impact equipment performance, requiring flexibility in their techniques. Effective communication and adherence to safety protocols are essential for minimizing risks and ensuring efficient operations.

What is vacuum excavation?

Vacuum excavation is a non-destructive digging method that uses high-powered suction and water or air to safely expose underground utilities and soil. This technique minimizes the risk of damaging pipes, cables, or other subsurface infrastructure compared to traditional mechanical excavation. It is commonly used in construction, utility maintenance, and environmental cleanup projects because it provides precision and improves safety for workers and communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vacuum excavation operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vacuum Excavation Operator, you need a solid understanding of construction site safety, equipment operation, and basic mechanical skills, often supported by a high school diploma and a commercial driver's license (CDL). Familiarity with vacuum excavation trucks, hydro-excavation systems, and utility locating devices is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well within a team are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and precise excavation work while minimizing risks to underground utilities and personnel.
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Cities with the most Vacuum Excavation job openings:

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Vacuum Excavation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vacuum Excavation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,199 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Vacuum Excavation Jet Vac Operator

Azuria Water Solutions

Tempe, AZ • On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description
As a leader in the industry, Insituform Technologies LLC, an Azuria Water Solutions company, is a global company that has been providing pipeline protection services for more than 50 years. Insituform values employee development and empowerment and are looking for innovative individuals to join their team and contribute to maintaining critical infrastructure worldwide.
We are currently seeking Vacuum Excavation Jet Vac Operators with Jet Vac experience to join our team in Tempe, AZ! As a Vacuum Excavation Jet Vac Operator, you will be responsible for the operation, care, and maintenance of all types of jet vac and hydro excavation trucks and services. We provide an extensive training program allowing operators the opportunity for success.
We are currently offering a limited-time sign-on bonus of $4,000 for new hires with a valid CDL license, and sign-on bonuses for new hires without a current CDL license are also available at a reduced amount. New employees who meet the criteria outlined in our sign-on bonus program will be eligible for the full payout.
The starting pay is $28.00-$34.00 per hour depending on experience.
Why You'll Love Working For Us:
  • Competitive salary
  • Daily per diem while traveling
  • 100% covered individual hotel room stays while traveling
  • Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • 401k matching
  • Tuition assistance
  • Paid time off and overtime pay
  • Company paid PPE, boots, and safety gear
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Work for a forward-thinking and innovative company
  • Ecological footprint - We are rehabbing the world's infrastructure, one pipe at a time, with minimal disruption to people's daily routines, with little waste

What You'll Do:
  • Operate jet vac and hydro excavation trucks through the course of a job using high-pressure water and vacuum systems for cleaning and excavations
  • Work includes but is not limited to hydro excavating to potholes, trenching and locating utilities, and also jet flush city sewers, storm sewers, and farm lines along with vacuuming of car wash pits and farm pits
  • Maintain equipment and keep it clean inside and out
  • Follow all company policies
  • Effectively read maps/prints
  • Ability to work alone or as part of a team
  • Document all services performed on the job
  • Mechanically inclined - conduct minor repairs to equipment

What We Need From You:
  • Must possess a Class A or B CDL with both Tanker and Air Brake endorsements, and be aligned with Insituform's motor vehicle standards
  • Previous heavy equipment, jet vac operating experience is preferred
  • Valid driver's license is required with a clean motor vehicle report
  • Comfortable working outside at job sites with moving vehicles and mechanical operations, with occasional exposure to fumes or airborne particles
  • Ability to lift/move up to 75 pounds and use pneumatic, battery-powered, or electric tools
  • Comfortable entering manholes and working in confined spaces
  • Must be able to travel weekly (potentially out of state); 25% overnight travel is required

Azuria Water Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Azuria Water Solutions is firmly bound. Azuria Water Solutions will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with Azuria Water Solutions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non-disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
VEVRAA compliant - priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

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