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Career pathway

Excavator Operator

ANZSCO 721214

Employed

10,600

Part-time share

14%

Female share

1%

Median age

43 yrs

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Salary and some workforce figures are suppressed for this occupation because Jobs and Skills Australia / the ABS do not publish estimates for small populations (typically fewer than 50 employed people) or because the figures have been perturbed for privacy. They are shown as unavailable rather than zero.

About this career

Excavator Operators operate heavy excavation plants to excavate, move and load earth, rock and rubble.

What they typically 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.
  • Monitors operation of plant and adjusts controls to regulate pressure, speed and flow of operation, and ensures safety of other workers.
  • Raises, lowers and manipulates attachments using manual and hydraulic controls.
  • Works from drawings, markers and verbal instructions.
  • Services, lubricates, cleans and refuels plant and performs minor adjustments and repairs.

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
31.9%
VIC
30.4%
QLD
20.7%
WA
5.9%
SA
4.7%
TAS
4.7%
ACT
1.2%
NT
0.5%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as an Excavator Operator.