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ANZSCO 721214Updated 2026-01-29
Excavator Operator
National shortage level: Strong
ANZSCO 721214OSCA 741234
Snapshot
Median pay: AUD 109k
Weekly earnings: AUD 2110
Salary range: AUD 99k-AUD 120k
Job ads trend: Not listed
Time to hire: Varies
Visa pathways: Check eligibility
State distribution
31.9%
NSW
30.4%
VIC
20.7%
QLD
Education mix
35.8%
certificate iii/ iv
33.8%
year 10 and below
14.2%
year 12
Role overview
Excavator Operators operate heavy excavation plants to excavate, move and load earth, rock and rubble.
What you do
- • Prepares and positions plant for operation.
- • Selects, fits and removes attachments such as buckets, winches, loading scoops, shovel blades and rock breaking hammers.
- • Operates controls to excavate, break, drill, level, compact, gouge out, move, load and spread earth, rock, rubble, soil and other materials.
Core skills
Credentials & pathway
- Recommended level: certificate iii/ iv (35.8%)
Recent job ads
No ads listed yet.
Tasks
- • Monitors operation of plant and adjusts controls to regulate pressure, speed and flow of operation, and ensures safety of other workers.
- • Operates controls to excavate, break, drill, level, compact, gouge out, move, load and spread earth, rock, rubble, soil and other materials.
- • Prepares and positions plant for operation.
Earnings
Weekly median: AUD 2110
Annual median: AUD 109k
Range: AUD 99k-AUD 120k