Land Grading and Drainage Contractor

Career Guide

A Land Grading and Drainage Contractor shapes land to the correct elevations and builds drainage features so sites shed water safely. The role supports construction projects by preparing building pads, roads, and landscaped areas while protecting nearby properties and waterways.

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Key Responsibilities

Review site plans and mark grading limits and target elevations
Clear and prepare the work area for earthmoving
Cut and fill soil to achieve required slopes and compaction
Install surface drainage features such as swales and ditches
Install subsurface drainage systems such as pipes and catch basins
Coordinate with survey crews to confirm elevations and layout
Select equipment and plan efficient haul and staging routes
Manage erosion and sediment controls to meet local rules
Inspect work quality and correct low spots, ponding, and soft areas
Estimate labor, materials, and equipment needs for bids
Maintain equipment and schedule repairs to reduce downtime
Lead jobsite safety practices and daily crew coordination
Communicate progress and changes with clients and project managers
Document completed work and track costs against the budget

Top Skills for Success

Site Plan Reading

Grade Checking

Equipment Operation

Earthwork Estimating

Drainage Installation

Soil Compaction Knowledge

Erosion Control Practices

Jobsite Safety

Crew Leadership

Scheduling

Client Communication

Cost Tracking

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Equipment Operator

Grade Checker

Laborer

Drainage Technician

Transition Opportunities

Foreman

Site Superintendent

Project Manager

Estimator

Construction Business Owner

Civil Construction Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Survey BasicsStormwater Regulation AwarenessBid WritingJob CostingContract ManagementErosion Control InstallationUtility Locating PracticesQuality Control Documentation

Development SuggestionsBuild confidence by shadowing a survey crew for layout and elevation checks, taking a short course on local stormwater requirements, and using simple templates for bids and job costing. Add repeatable field checklists for drainage performance, compaction targets, and erosion controls to reduce rework.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level45,000 to 65,000 USD

Mid Level65,000 to 95,000 USD

Senior Level95,000 to 140,000 USD

Growth Trend

Steady demand, supported by housing construction, road and utility work, and increased focus on stormwater management and flood resilience. Demand can vary by season and local building activity.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

KiewitGranite ConstructionSkanska USAFlatiron ConstructionPCL ConstructionThe Walsh GroupLennarD. R. Horton

Industry Sectors

Residential ConstructionCommercial ConstructionRoad and Highway ConstructionUtility ConstructionLand DevelopmentMunicipal Stormwater ProjectsAgricultural Land ImprovementRenewable Energy Site Preparation

Recommended Next Steps

Create a portfolio of before and after photos with measured elevations and drainage outcomes

Learn one grade checking tool deeply and practice daily elevation verification

Standardize estimating with a unit rate sheet for excavation, hauling, and drainage materials

Earn a safety credential commonly requested by local contractors

Build relationships with surveyors, utility locators, and inspection staff to reduce delays

Track job costs weekly and review variance to improve future bids

Develop a maintenance plan for key machines to reduce downtime

Stay current on local drainage and erosion control requirements and update your standard details