How much do excavator operators make an hour?
Ella Bryant
Updated on June 03, 2026
Excavator Operator Salaries
| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| Agri Labour Excavator Operator salaries – 3 salaries reported | $30/hr |
| Heading Contractors Excavator Operator salaries – 3 salaries reported | $47/hr |
| GO2 People Excavator Operator salaries – 3 salaries reported | $55/hr |
How much do excavators operators make?
Excavator Operator Salaries
| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| KMC Mining Excavator Operator salaries – 2 salaries reported | $41/hr |
| Morgan Construction & Environmental Ltd. Excavator Operator salaries – 2 salaries reported | $34/hr |
| Kidco Construction Excavator Operator salaries – 2 salaries reported | $32/hr |
Do excavator operators make good money?
The salaries of Excavator Operators in the US range from $26,670 to $98,000 , with a median salary of $40,050 . The middle 60% of Excavator Operators makes between $40,050 and $55,739, with the top 80% making $98,000.
How much do excavator operators make in Australia?
The average excavator operator salary in Australia is $78,000 per year or $40 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $68,250 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $107,250 per year.
How do I become an Excavator Operator in Australia?
While formal qualifications aren’t required to operate an excavator in Australia, registration or licencing is usually preferred in order to work as an Excavator Operator. Undertake a course that teaches you how to operate an excavator. This enables you to have a ‘ticket’ or a licence to operate an excavator.
How do I become a Excavator Operator?
Here are the steps to become a heavy equipment operator:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Enter and complete heavy equipment training.
- Earn licenses or certifications.
- Obtain a commercial driver’s license.
- Update your resume.
- Keep learning.
How do I become a excavator operator?
How much do underwater excavator operators make?
According to commercial divers and global statistics, the average underwater welding salary is $53,990 annually and $25.96 per hour. However, most incomes float around $25,000 – $80,000.
What is the highest paid heavy machine operator?
High Paying Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs
- Crane Operator. Salary range: $33,500-$58,500 per year.
- Backhoe Operator. Salary range: $34,000-$52,000 per year.
- Construction Equipment Operator. Salary range: $37,500-$51,500 per year.
- Rigger.
- Yard Manager.
- Motor Grader Operator.
- Equipment Operator.
- Concrete Mixer Truck Driver.
What makes a good Excavator Operator?
The best operators are self-motivated with strong problem-solving abilities. They take personal pride in their work and have a strict attention to detail. Skilled operators will pick up the movements and flow of the operation quickly.