Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
Also called: Backhoe Operator · Dragline Oiler · Dragline Operator · Equipment Operator · Excavator Operator · Heavy Equipment Operator
Median pay (national)
$52,550
$39,650–$80,970 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
34,210
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-0.4%
~3,100 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $80,970 versus $39,650 at the bottom 10% — 2.0x. The median of $52,550 leaves roughly 54% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -0.4% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 3,100 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 50 states with released data, New Jersey pays the most for this role (median $105,490, +101% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $25,910 — a 307% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- Create or maintain inclines or ramps.
- Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.
- Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
- Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
- Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Windows
- Google Gmail
- Machine control systems
- Machine monitoring software
- Email software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Design
- Administration and Management
- Transportation