Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
Median pay: $57,430/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -0.4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 3,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
• Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
• Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
• Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
• Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
• Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
• Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
• Create or maintain inclines or ramps.
What's the median pay for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining?
The median pay for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining is $57,430 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining?
Employment for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining is projected to change -0.4% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining?
About 3,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.