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Explore all careersHow do I become an Excavator Operator?
Get qualified to work as an Excavator Operator with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
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Browse occupations related to Excavator Operator
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Excavator Operator generally earns $1,550 per week ($80,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
There are currently 9,500 people working as an Excavator Operator in Australia and this number has grown slightly in recent years. Five years ago there were 9,100 people in this job role. Excavator Operators may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
To become an Excavator Operator, consider the Certificate III in Trenchless Technology. This course will explore topics such as horizontal directional drilling, auger boring and pipe jacking. You’ll also look at subjects like workplace communication and occupational safety.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
Careers for people who love the outdoors
14th September 2021
What can you do with a Certificate III in Cleaning Operations?
2nd December 2021All excavator operator courses
- RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
- VU21936 Observe for the Safe Operation of Plant and Equipment Around Overhead and Underground Assets
- RIIMPO320F Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations
- RII30120 Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations
- UETDREL004 Operate Plant and Equipment in the Vicinity of Live Electrical Apparatus
- Master of Science (Archaeological Science)
Excavator Operator careers
An Excavator Operator breaks up and moves dirt and rock using excavation equipment. You might work on small scale residential projects, larger construction jobs or road construction. Excavator Operators use a range of equipment and attachments. Once dirt, rock and rubble has been removed you might have to level the ground ready for use.
Excavator Operators need to be skilled equipment operators and able to use their tools in a range of circumstances. You’ll need to be a good problem solver and be able to work in all sorts of environments. Excavator Operators have a physically demanding role and spend a lot of their time outdoors. You’ll need to be able to follow directions and work as part of a team.
