How much does a Utility Locator make?
Utility locators work to find underground pipes and cables, which are vital for many construction and maintenance projects. The salary for a utility locator varies based on experience and location. People in this job can earn between $34,000 and $59,740 each year. The average yearly salary stands at around $42,231.
Factors that influence these salaries include the locator's experience, the complexity of projects they handle, and their geographical location. Those with more experience and who work in urban areas with higher living costs tend to earn more. Utility locators also have the opportunity to earn bonuses or overtime pay, especially if they work in challenging or hazardous conditions.
What are the highest paying cities for a Utility Locator?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $61,422
In San Diego, work as a Utility Locator involves using high-tech tools to map underground utilities. The sunny weather and growing tech sector offer excellent opportunities with companies like SD Gas & Electric.
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Greeley, CO
Average Salary: $55,002
Greeley provides a great setting for Utility Locators. With a strong community and local companies, this role is key for managing city infrastructure. Nearby employers include Xcel Energy.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $54,684
Boulder offers a unique mix of nature and urban planning. Utility Locators here play a vital part in construction projects. Local firms like Black & Veatch often look for skilled Locators.
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Fort Collins, CO
Average Salary: $53,697
Fort Collins is a hub for outdoor activities and construction. Working as a Utility Locator here means helping to maintain public works. Companies like AECOM are active in the area.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $53,129
Denver's high altitude and vibrant energy industry present exciting challenges for Utility Locators. With companies like Rocky Mountain Power, this role is both rewarding and dynamic.
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Rochester, MN
Average Salary: $51,000
Rochester offers a mix of small-town charm and big-city opportunities. Utility Locators here support local infrastructure, with Mayo Clinic often needing their expertise.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $50,677
Minneapolis offers plenty of chances for Utility Locators. With a booming tech scene and major companies, this role is both challenging and fulfilling. Employers include Alliant Energy.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $50,143
San Francisco's tech-driven environment offers many opportunities for Utility Locators. The city's infrastructure demands skilled professionals. Companies like Pacific Gas & Electric often hire in this field.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $49,666
Colorado Springs has a growing economy that values Utility Locators. Working here means helping to support military and civilian infrastructure. Local firms like Black & Veatch provide many job openings.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $49,583
Boston offers a rich history and modern job market. Utility Locators here play a crucial role in the city's ongoing projects. With many universities and large companies, the demand for skilled workers is high.
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What are the best companies a Utility Locator can work for?

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McCarthy Building
Average Salary: $100,382
McCarthy Building offers top-tier Utility Locator jobs. The company operates across North America, providing excellent opportunities in both urban and rural settings. Workers use advanced technology to detect underground utilities, ensuring safety and efficiency in construction projects.
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ITG Communications, LLC
Average Salary: $51,933
ITG Communications, LLC provides Utility Locator jobs with a focus on telecommunications infrastructure. Operating throughout the U.S., the company employs skilled professionals who use precise locating techniques to manage utility placement effectively.
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Locating Inc
Average Salary: $47,947
Locating Inc offers Utility Locator jobs with a nationwide presence. The company relies on experienced professionals to detect and mark underground utilities, ensuring safety and accuracy in construction and utility projects.
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MasTec Inc
Average Salary: $46,010
MasTec Inc provides Utility Locator jobs across the United States. This company focuses on utility infrastructure, employing skilled workers who utilize advanced equipment to locate underground utilities, supporting large-scale construction projects.
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UtiliQuest, LLC
Average Salary: $44,591
UtiliQuest, LLC offers Utility Locator jobs with a strong emphasis on safety and precision. Operating across the country, the company employs professionals who use the latest technology to locate underground utilities, ensuring project efficiency.
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One Call Concepts Locating services
Average Salary: $44,414
One Call Concepts Locating services provides Utility Locator jobs with a focus on utility safety and efficiency. Operating nationwide, the company employs skilled workers who use advanced locating techniques to detect underground utilities.
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Olameter
Average Salary: $43,135
Olameter offers Utility Locator jobs with a commitment to safety and precision. Operating across the U.S., the company employs skilled professionals who use advanced locating equipment to detect and map underground utilities.
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Viaero Wireless
Average Salary: $43,000
Viaero Wireless provides Utility Locator jobs with a focus on wireless infrastructure. Operating primarily in the southern U.S., the company employs skilled workers who use precise locating techniques to manage utility placement effectively.
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InfraMap Corporation
Average Salary: $43,000
InfraMap Corporation offers Utility Locator jobs with a strong emphasis on utility infrastructure. Operating nationwide, the company employs skilled professionals who use advanced equipment to locate underground utilities, supporting large-scale projects.
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USIC
Average Salary: $40,698
USIC provides Utility Locator jobs with a focus on safety and precision. Operating across the U.S., the company employs skilled workers who use advanced locating techniques to detect and map underground utilities, ensuring project efficiency.
How to earn more as a Utility Locator?
Increasing your earnings as a Utility Locator requires a blend of skill, experience, and strategic career moves. Each step taken in the right direction can lead to better opportunities and higher pay.
First, expanding your skill set can open doors to higher-paying positions. Specialization in certain types of utility locating technology or certification in advanced techniques often leads to more job offers and higher salaries. Continuous learning and training in the latest tools and methods can set you apart from the competition.
Second, gaining experience in diverse environments helps broaden your expertise. Working in different geographic locations and with a variety of utilities can make you a more versatile and valuable asset to any team. This experience often translates to higher earning potential as you become a sought-after expert.
Additionally, networking with other professionals in the field can lead to new job opportunities and recommendations. Attending industry conferences, joining professional associations, and participating in online forums can help you connect with others who may offer job leads or insights into higher-paying positions.
Building a strong reputation can also significantly impact your earning potential. Consistently delivering high-quality work and maintaining a professional demeanor can lead to repeat business and referrals. Positive reviews and testimonials from clients and colleagues can enhance your credibility and open up higher-paying job opportunities.
Finally, seeking out positions with companies that offer growth and advancement can lead to higher salaries over time. Companies that invest in their employees' development and offer clear paths for career progression are more likely to provide competitive compensation packages.



