Excavator Operator Salary in Australia (2026)
SEEK's Excavator Operator page shows an average salary of $115,000 to $135,000 a year, based on pay disclosed in job ads (checked 10 October 2026). SEEK's Mining, Resources & Energy average for the role is $112,983 a year.
Last checked 10 October 2026. Pay changes, so check the source before you rely on a figure.
What does a excavator operator earn?
Each row is one source, shown as that source states it. We do not average or blend them, because they measure different things. SEEK says its insights are based on full-time salary ranges employers disclosed on SEEK job ads. Some disclosed salaries include superannuation and other benefits, others do not.
| Figure | What it measures | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| $115,000 to $135,000 a year | SEEK's stated average salary range for the role "Excavator Operator" in Australia. Based on full-time salary ranges employers disclosed on SEEK job ads. Some disclosed salaries include super and other benefits, others do not. | SEEK career advice, Excavator Operator salary | 10 October 2026 |
| Median $125,000 a year | The middle point of SEEK's salary distribution for "Excavator Operator", on the same disclosed-in-ads basis. | SEEK career advice, Excavator Operator salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $95,000 to $155,000 a year | SEEK's 10th to 90th percentile spread. Most disclosed salaries fall inside it, with the lowest and highest tenth outside. | SEEK career advice, Excavator Operator salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $112,983 a year average | SEEK's average salary for "Excavator Operator" jobs in the Mining, Resources & Energy industry only. | SEEK career advice, Excavator Operator salary | 10 October 2026 |
Want to work out take-home pay? Try the salary calculator, or read the mining salaries guide.
What affects pay
Roster
No source we checked publishes a roster specific to excavator operators. Mine site rosters vary by site and employer, so confirm it in the job ad. A parliamentary inquiry found FIFO cycles run from 9 days on and 5 off to 28 days on and 7 off, with a twelve-hour on-site day typical. The report is from 2013, so treat it as background.
Parliament of Australia, FIFO/DIDO inquiry report (2013)FIFO or residential
No source we checked gives a FIFO versus residential pay figure for this role, so we do not show one. When you compare offers, check whether the figure is a base rate or an all-in figure, and what the employer provides for flights, accommodation and meals.
Award or enterprise agreement
We have not mapped this role to a Mining Award level, because the award does not name it. The award minimums on this site do not apply to the figures above.
Industry
SEEK's average for Excavator Operator in Mining, Resources & Energy is $112,983 a year. Its averages for the same role elsewhere are Construction $75,697, Trades & Services $74,578 and Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics $69,463.
SEEK career advice, Excavator Operator salaryAward floor
We have not mapped excavator operators to a Mining Award level, because the award does not name the role. Use the award minimums as a general floor only.
Mining Industry Award 2020 (MA000011)
Tickets to check for as a excavator operator
Each employer and site sets its own requirements. Treat this as a list of what to look for in job ads, not a guarantee of what you need.
- White Card General construction induction card, often asked for on mine construction and shutdown work. Check the job ad.
- Standard 11 Generic induction for Queensland coal mines. Only needed for work on a Queensland coal mine.
- High risk work licence guide Excavators generally do not need a high risk work licence, but Western Australia has a rule for suspended loads. See the guide, and check what your employer asks for.
How to become a excavator operator
SEEK says formal qualifications are not required to operate an excavator in Australia, but registration or licensing is usually preferred. Many sites also look for a recognised operator competency, so check each job ad.
Finding excavator operator jobs
Search the big job boards for current ads, and read the roster, award or agreement and ticket requirements in each one before you apply. These are plain search links, not endorsements.
Excavator Operator salary questions answered
How much does an excavator operator earn in Australia?
SEEK's page shows an average salary of $115,000 to $135,000 a year, with a median of $125,000, based on salaries disclosed in job ads. It is not a guarantee for any one job.
Do excavator operators earn more in mining?
On SEEK's figures, yes. Its Mining, Resources & Energy average for the role is $112,983 a year, against $75,697 in Construction. Both are SEEK averages on a disclosed-in-ads basis.
Do I need a licence to operate an excavator?
SEEK says formal qualifications are not required, but registration or licensing is usually preferred. Our high risk work licence guide covers the state differences.
Where to next
- Salary calculator Estimate take-home pay for your roster and classification.
- Mining salaries guide Award minimums by level, loadings and how pay is set.
- Driller Offsider salary $75,000 to $95,000 a year (SEEK career advice (Offsider)).
- Rigger salary $80,000 to $90,000 a year (SEEK career advice (Rigger)).
- All salaries by role Compare the roles we have sourced, each with its source and date.