▼4%
R39.49
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (ZAR)
/ hour
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (ZAR)
10%
ZAR 31.35
MEDIAN
ZAR 39.49
90%
ZAR 52.18
The average hourly pay for an Excavator Operator is R39.49 in 2025
Hourly Rate
R31 - R52
Bonus
R3k - R5k
Profit Sharing
R0 - R1k
Total Pay
R68k - R158k
Is Average Mid-Career Excavator Operator with Machine Operation Skills Hourly Pay in South Africa your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Excavator Operators?
▲13%
What Do Excavator Operators Do?
Excavator Operator Tasks
- Operate excavator safely to accomplish specified goals.
- Maintain awareness of site and workers and communicate actions.
- Maintain, confirm condition of excavator and operate within regulations and safety limits.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Excavator Operator
Medical
8%
None
92%
Gender Breakdown for Excavator Operators
Male
100.0%
This data is based on 10 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Excavator Operators
What is the highest pay for Excavator Operators?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for an Excavator Operator is ZAR 52.18 / hour
What is the lowest pay for Excavator Operators?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for an Excavator Operator is ZAR 31.35 / hour
How can Excavator Operators increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as an Excavator Operator is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are an Excavator Operator that oversees more junior Excavator Operators, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.