Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
SOC: 47-5022 O*NET: 47-5022.00
Median Salary
$52,550
per year
Job Growth
📉 -0.4%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
What does a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$39,650
10th percentile
Early Career
$46,290
25th percentile
Median
$52,550
50th percentile
Experienced
$63,630
75th percentile
Top Earners
$80,970
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$39,650
25th
$46,290
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$52,550
Mean: $57,860
75th
$63,630
90th
$80,970
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $41,320 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $46,290 and $63,630
- •Salary spread is 33.0% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 34,210 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:35,800
Top Industries
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction60%
Mining (except Oil and Gas)56.4%
Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying46.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-0.4%
Annual Openings:3,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)35,800
Current
2034 (Projected)35,600
-0.4%
-100
Employment Change
-0.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
Texas
4,910 jobs$47,8401.60x
Pennsylvania
1,660 jobs$48,7301.24x
Florida
1,660 jobs$47,2200.76x
Virginia
1,480 jobs$53,7701.64x
New York
1,410 jobs$56,4600.67x
Georgia
1,390 jobs$48,9101.29x
Oklahoma
1,270 jobs$44,9903.39x
Ohio
1,040 jobs$56,0200.84x
Illinois
1,020 jobs$62,3200.75x
Indiana
950 jobs$68,2001.35x
California
900 jobs$73,5800.23x
New Jersey
840 jobs$105,4900.89x
Colorado
820 jobs$61,6601.29x
West Virginia
780 jobs$62,9305.01x
Kentucky
780 jobs$46,4801.76x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operation and Control
100%
#2
Operations Monitoring
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Coordination
80%
#5
Repairing
74%
#6
Social Perceptiveness
66%
#7
Critical Thinking
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Reading Comprehension
40%
Skills Overview
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Operations Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Coordination
intermediate4.0
80%
Repairing
intermediate3.7
74%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate3.3
66%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Repairing
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels67%
5 shared skills
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals67%
5 shared skills
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders67%
5 shared skills
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers67%
5 shared skills
Riggers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Coordination
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Speaking
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Operation and Control
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Repairing
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations & Execution (3)General Responsibilities (7)Planning & Development (1)Training & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Management & Supervision (2)
1
Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution100% perform100%
2
Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Training & Development76% perform84%
10
Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on operations & execution activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.31
Attention to Detail
ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level3.94
Stress Tolerance
ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level3.68
Adaptability/Flexibility
ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level3.61
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.61
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.60
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.3
Attention to Detail
3.9
Stress Tolerance
3.7
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.6
Integrity
3.6
Cooperation
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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