Excavating contractors can help you prepare your land for construction, solve drainage issues, remove unwanted debris, and dig for utility installations.
86 licensed excavators in Rockland County. Data sourced from Rockland County Consumer Protection — the official licensing office. Licensing requires demonstrated experience and proof of insurance. This is not a paid directory — every county-licensed contractor is listed, regardless of whether they advertise. Last verified October 31, 2026.
How to choose: Every excavator on this list holds an active Rockland County license — that's the baseline. To narrow it down, look for someone with a local address, get written estimates from two or three excavators, and ask each one for a reference from a past job. If you're not sure where to start, calling two or three and comparing their availability is usually enough.
What do "licensed," "bonded," and "insured" actually mean?
Licensed means Rockland County checked the contractor's work experience and insurance before letting them operate here. If a licensed contractor treats you badly, you can file a complaint with the county — real leverage you don't have with an unlicensed one.
Bonded means the contractor has a surety bond — money held by an insurance company that you may be able to claim if the contractor takes your deposit and doesn't finish, or the work fails. Not every licensed contractor is bonded; ask directly.
Insured means their insurance — not your homeowner's policy — pays if a worker is hurt or your property is damaged during the job. Ask to see a current certificate of insurance before work starts.
What this license requires: Rockland County issues this license only after an applicant shows 3 years of experience or graduation from a technical school plus 2 year of experience — plus proof of insurance. Everyone in the list below has cleared that bar.
Permit note: Much of this work requires a permit from your town building department in Rockland County. See our building permits guide before work begins — a licensed excavator can usually pull the permit for you.
34 of 86 excavators have a Rockland County address.
A few contractors listed here have a business address outside Rockland County but are licensed to work in the county. Rockland County towns are listed first.
How to hire a licensed excavator in Rockland County
This directory lists licenses — it doesn't rank or endorse contractors. A few steps to hire well:
Confirm the license is current — every excavator listed here is verified against Rockland County Consumer Protection records.
Ask for proof of insurance and bonding before any work starts.
Get written estimates from two or three contractors so you can compare scope and price.
Get the full scope, timeline, and payment schedule in writing before you pay a deposit.
Make sure the required town permit is pulled — a licensed contractor can usually file it for you.
Common questions
How many licensed excavators are in Rockland County?
There are 86 licensed excavators in Rockland County, NY as of October 31, 2026, all verified through the Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection.
What does it take to get a excavator license in Rockland County?
Rockland County requires 3 years of experience or graduation from a technical school plus 2 year of experience before issuing this license, along with proof of insurance. Every contractor listed here has met those requirements.
How do I find excavators near me in Rockland County?
Use the town filter above or the “near you” links to see contractors by town. Any contractor licensed in the county can legally work in any Rockland town, so it's worth comparing a few beyond your immediate area.
How much do excavators charge in Rockland County?
Costs vary by the job and the contractor. Get written estimates from two or three licensed excavators before hiring — most offer free estimates for non-emergency work. This directory lists licenses only and does not collect pricing.
Do I need a permit to hire a excavator in Rockland County?
Many of these projects require a permit from your town building department. See our building permits guide for what each town requires; a licensed contractor can usually pull the permit for you.
How do I verify a contractor's license in Rockland County?
You can verify any contractor's license through the Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection. Every contractor listed here includes their license number from official county records.