Excavator vs. Backhoe: Which Should You Learn First?

Key Takeaways

• Start with excavator training – Higher demand with 6,400+ job openings nationwide
• Backhoes offer versatility – Two machines in one make you valuable on smaller job sites
• Excavators pay slightly more – $25.56 per hour vs $25.53 for backhoes
• Learning curve differs – Excavators are simpler to master, backhoes need dual-skill training
• Job markets vary by region – Excavators dominate urban construction, backhoes rule rural work
• Training time matters – Excavators take 2-4 weeks, backhoes need 4-6 weeks to master both ends
• Career growth potential – Both lead to heavy equipment operator specializations

Most beginners should learn excavator first. Here’s why: more jobs, simpler controls, and faster training time. Excavators have 6,400+ open positions compared to 1,475 backhoe jobs. You’ll find work faster.

But there’s more to consider.

What’s the Real Difference Between Excavators and Backhoes?

An excavator sits on tracks and only digs.

A backhoe drives on wheels with a loader bucket in front and digging arm in back. It’s like driving two machines at once.

Excavators excel at:

• Deep digging jobs
• Demolition work
• Loading trucks
• Precise placement tasks

Backhoes work best for:

• Small construction sites
• Utility work
• Moving materials around
• Jobs needing both digging and loading

Think of it this way: excavators are specialists, backhoes are generalists.

Which Machine Has Better Job Prospects?

Excavator jobs win by numbers. The market shows 6,400+ excavator operator positions available nationwide. Backhoe operators see 1,475 openings.

Where excavator operators work:

• Large construction projects
• Road building crews
• Demolition companies
• Utility installation teams

Where backhoe operators find jobs:

• Small contractors
• Landscaping companies
• Municipal maintenance
• Farm operations

Urban areas favor excavators. Rural markets prefer backhoes.

California alone has 119 excavator operator jobs posted recently. That’s just one state.

How Do the Controls and Learning Curves Compare?

Excavators use simpler controls. You sit in one spot. Two joysticks control the boom, arm, and bucket. Your feet handle tracks for moving.

Backhoes need dual skills. You must master:

• Driving like a regular vehicle
• Operating the front loader
• Running the rear digging controls
• Switching between front and back constantly

Excavator training timeline:

• Week 1: Basic controls and safety
• Week 2: Digging techniques
• Week 3-4: Precision work and efficiency

Backhoe training timeline:

• Week 1-2: Driving and front loader
• Week 3-4: Rear controls and digging
• Week 5-6: Switching between operations smoothly

Most students pick up excavator basics faster. The excavator training for beginners focuses on one set of skills. Backhoes demand more mental switching. You’re constantly changing from driver to operator mode.

What About Pay and Earning Potential?

Both machines offer similar pay scales.

Excavator operators average $25.56 per hour. Backhoe operators earn $25.53 hourly.

Annual salary ranges:

• Excavator operators: $53,000-$65,000
• Backhoe operators: $51,000-$81,000

Backhoe operators might edge ahead slightly. Their versatility commands premium rates on smaller jobs.

Pay factors that matter more:

• Your location and local demand
• Union vs non-union work
• Experience level and certifications
• Willingness to travel for jobs

Both paths lead to good career prospects in construction.

Which Machine Should Beginners Choose First?

Start with excavator for most situations.

Choose excavator training if you:

• Want faster job placement
• Prefer focused skill development
• Live near urban construction markets
• Like working on big projects

Pick backhoe training if you:

• Want maximum versatility
• Plan to work for small contractors
• Live in rural areas
• Enjoy variety in daily tasks

Smart move: master one first, then add the other.

Many operators start with excavator training, get hired, then learn backhoe on company time.

Factor	Excavator	Backhoe
Job openings	6,400+	1,475
Learning time	2-4 weeks	4-6 weeks
Hourly pay	$25.56	$25.53
Best locations	Urban	Rural
Skill complexity	Single focus	Dual operations

How Do Training Programs Differ?

Excavator programs focus deep on one machine.

You’ll spend time on:

• Hydraulic system basics
• Digging patterns and techniques
• Load handling and truck spotting
• Grade work and finish skills

Backhoe training covers more ground:

• Vehicle operation and road safety
• Front loader techniques
• Backhoe digging methods
• Switching between operations safely

Quality heavy equipment training programs offer both options.

Look for schools with:

• Hands-on machine time
• Experienced instructors
• Job placement help
• Industry connections

Training costs run similar:

• 3-week excavator program: $8,000-$12,000
• 5-week backhoe program: $10,000-$15,000

Financial assistance options help cover costs either way.

What This Means for Your Career Path

Start with excavator training for the fastest route to employment.

The numbers favor excavators: more jobs, simpler learning curve, and quicker certification. You can always add backhoe skills later. Many employers will train you on additional equipment once you prove yourself.

Ready to start? Research accredited training programs in your area. Look for schools offering hands-on experience and job placement support. The construction industry needs skilled operators. Pick your starting point and begin building a solid career in heavy equipment.