Excavator Operator Courses
An Excavator Operator uses excavation equipment to break up and move dirt and rock, leveling ground for various construction projects.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Excavator Operator
Get qualified to work as a Excavator Operator with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
RII30820
Duration
3 months - 3 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Traineeship
Get started in civil construction with the RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations. This nationally recognised training course accompanies an apprenticeship and teaches you how to work safely on a civil construction site. The course covers levelling, trenches, concreting, earthworks — and you’ll also have the opportunity to learn how to operate a range of heavy vehicles (depending on your chosen electives) including backhoes, graders, dozers, and excavators. Enquire now for more in...
Career opportunities
Duration
3 months - 3 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Traineeship
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RII31619
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, On Campus, Traineeship
Get started in civil construction with the RII31619 Certificate III in Trenchless Technology. This nationally recognised qualification prepares you for work on civil construction sites that utilise trenchless technologies. The course covers: following safety procedures, working in confined spaces, applying risk management, maintaining site records, onsite communication, following plans and job specs, protecting underground services, operating plant and equipment, manual excavation, laying pipes, and much ...
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, On Campus, Traineeship
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RIIMPO320F
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
Do you need an excavator training course? How about the RIIMPO320F Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations. This nationally recognised short course will teach you how to safely use an a excavator (with attachments) and supports the excavator licence requirements in some states. The course covers: carrying out pre-operational checks, carrying and placing materials with the excavator, loading, bulk excavation, fitting and removing attachments, relocating the machine, carrying out operator maintenanc...
Career opportunities
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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RII20220
Duration
1 day - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
Get your first job at an open cut mine or quarry with the RII20220 - Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations. This nationally recognised qualification introduces you to the routines and safety procedures of an Australian mine site, beginning with risk controls, workplace communication, quality standards, and sustainability. You’ll then gain the operational skills you need to operate machinery, vehicles and equipment. Technical skills include: mixing explosives, dust suppression, breaking oversized...
Career opportunities
Duration
1 day - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Excavator Operator.
Common questions
How much does an Excavator Operator earn?
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.
What are the job opportunities for an Excavator Operator?
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
How do I become an Excavator Operator?
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.
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More information
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.
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