Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
SOC code 47-5022 · O*NET-SOC 47-5022.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$57,430
a year
Hourly
$27.61
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$59,930
$28.81 per hour
Middle 50%
$47,890 – $65,730
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$41,600 – $82,400
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
34,480
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $41,600
- $20.00/hr
- 25th percentile
- $47,890
- $23.03/hr
- Median percentile
- $57,430
- $27.61/hr
- 75th percentile
- $65,730
- $31.60/hr
- 90th percentile
- $82,400
- $39.61/hr
What do excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining do?
Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.
- Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 71% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)71%
- Less than a High School Diploma23%
- Post-Secondary Certificate6%
Common questions
How much does an excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining earn?
The national median is $57,430 a year. The full range runs from $41,600 at the 10th percentile to $82,400 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Monitoring3.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Speaking3.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Active Learning3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical3.2/5
- Building and Construction3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.0/5
- English Language2.6/5
- Mathematics2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination.