How to become a Backhoe Operator

Operates a backhoe and attachments to excavate, break, drill, level and compact earth, rock and other material.

Main tasks

• Operates a backhoe and attachments to excavate and remove earth, rock and other materials
• Breaks through hard surfaces using backhoe attachments
• Uses backhoe attachments to lift and place objects such as pipes, poles and logs
• Loads and unloads materials onto trucks or other vehicles using a backhoe
• Performs routine maintenance and inspections on backhoe and attachments

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Drilling Oil & Gas (Onshore) (RII32020); Certificate III in Drilling Operations (RII31820); Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations (RII32220); Certificate IV in Drilling Operations (RII40920); Certificate IV in Surface Extraction Operations (RII40120); Diploma of Drilling Operations (RII50620); Certificate III in Construction Crane Operations (CPC32920); Certificate III in Gravedigging, Grounds and Maintenance (SIF30213)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $98,800 a year
• About 48,600 people work in this job group now, and about 50,700 are projected by 2035. (+4.3%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)
• Bulldozer Operator
• Excavator Operator
• Grader Operator
• Loader Operator
• Tunnel Constructor

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Backhoe Operator?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Drilling Oil & Gas (Onshore); Certificate III in Drilling Operations.

How much does a Backhoe Operator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $98,800 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Backhoe Operator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 48,600 to about 50,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Backhoe Operator?

Usually not. Only 0% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Drilling Oil & Gas (Onshore); Certificate III in Drilling Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Backhoe Operator?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04