Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
SOC Code: 47-5022Also known as:
Aerial Tram Operator, Air Shovel Operator, Back Digger Operator, Back Filler Operator, Back Hoe Machine Operator
Median Annual Salary
$52,550
-0.4% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
36K
Current Jobs
What 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.
💰 Salary
$52,550
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.4%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
35,800
Projected Employment (2034)
35,600
Related Careers
Construction laborers
$46,730 •
+7.3% growth
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
$58,710 •
+3.6% growth
Continuous mining machine operators
$63,380 •
+0.6% growth
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
$63,980 •
+5.8% growth
Hoist and winch operators
$52,310 •
-1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
- Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining make?
The median annual salary for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining is $52,550.
What education do excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining need?
Most excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining a good career choice?
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining is projected to see -0.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 3,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining?
Top colleges for aspiring excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Pontotoc Technology Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining?
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining may also be known as: Aerial Tram Operator, Air Shovel Operator, Back Digger Operator, Back Filler Operator, Back Hoe Machine Operator, Back Hoe Operator, Backhoe Operator, Clam Shovel Operator, Coal Equipment Operator, Diesel Scoop Operator, Dragline Oiler, Dragline Operator, Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Earth Moving Machine Operator, Earth Moving Technician, Electric Scoop Operator, Electric Shovel Operator, End Loader Operator, Equipment Operator, Excavation Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.