
How do I become an Excavator Operator in Sydney?
Get qualified to work as an Excavator Operator with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Course providers in Sydney
The following providers offer Excavator Operator courses in Sydney, New South Wales.










































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.
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
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.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Excavator Operator
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
- RIIMPO301E Conduct Hydraulic Excavator Operations
- RII20220 Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations
- Master of Science (Archaeological Science)
- RIISS00034 Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set
- RII31619 Certificate III in Trenchless Technology
- RIIMPO320F Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations
- RIIRTM203E Work as a Safety Observer/Spotter
- UETDREL004 Operate Plant and Equipment in the Vicinity of Live Electrical Apparatus
- RII30120 Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations
- RIICCM210E Install Trench Support
- VU21936 Observe for the Safe Operation of Plant and Equipment Around Overhead and Underground Assets
Excavator Operator careers
If you're looking to kickstart your career as an Excavator Operator in Sydney, the range of Excavator Operator courses in Sydney offers a perfect pathway. There are several beginner courses tailored for individuals with no prior experience, such as the Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations RIIMPO320F and the Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations RII30820. These courses are designed to equip you with the essential skills needed to operate excavators safely and effectively in various construction contexts throughout Sydney.
When you enrol in one of these courses, you're not only investing in your education but also expanding your career opportunities. As a certified Excavator Operator, you can explore various job roles including a Construction Labourer, a Construction Manager, or even a Site Foreman. The skills and qualifications gained from these courses can also lead you to specialised positions such as a Mobile Crane Operator or a Road Construction Worker, each highly valued in the dynamic Sydney construction landscape.
Sydney’s infrastructure projects are ever-expanding, making it a prime location for aspiring operators to find work. The Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations RII30120 and the Conduct Hydraulic Excavator Operations RIIMPO301E are excellent options for those looking to break into the industry. Moreover, undertaking these training courses can also prepare you for roles that require precision and safety, like becoming a Traffic Controller or a Pipelayer.
If you’re eager to learn and grow in the civil construction field, a variety of practical courses awaits you in Sydney. From the Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set RIISS00034 to the Work as a Safety Observer/Spotter RIIRTM203E, these training programs are designed to cater to aspiring operators with all the necessary tools for success. Venture into the construction sector confidently by exploring the full range of Excavator Operator courses in Sydney tailored just for you.