Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.
Median salary
$57,430/yr
Typical range
$47,890 – $65,730
Education
High school diploma
Time to entry
No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning
What a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining does
These operators use heavy machinery to remove soil, rocks, and ore during surface mining operations, following safety protocols and geological maps. They play a critical role in extracting natural resources needed for various industries.
Education & path
The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.
Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.
Related careers
- Construction Laborers — $47,120/yr
- Solar Energy Installation Managers — $79,920/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers — $79,920/yr
- Electricians — $63,190/yr
- Carpenters — $60,580/yr
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