Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining?AI replacement risk 10% and how the work is changing

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$57,430
25th–75th pct. $47,890–$65,730
Top pay (est.)
$107,100
Top 10% $82,400
Pay in 5 years
$67,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$78,300est.
$67,300–$90,900
Outlook score
47/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
10%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+1.0%
2,400 openings / yr

Will AI replace Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining? AI replacement risk

10%
Very low
Ranked #33 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.6
Operations Monitoring
3.2
Coordination
3.1
Equipment Maintenance
3.1
Repairing
3.1
Active Listening
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
3.8
Building and Construction
3.6
Public Safety and Security
3.1
Mathematics
2.6
Administration and Management
2.3
Design
2.3
Education and Training
2.2
Engineering and Technology
2.2

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Important abilities

Reaction TimeAuditory AttentionMultilimb CoordinationControl PrecisionResponse OrientationDepth Perception

Education of workers

High school diploma
71%
Less than high school
23%
Post-secondary certificate
6%

Training before entry

1–3 months
21%
None / short demo
21%
Up to 1 month
19%
2–4 years
14%
6–12 months
10%
1–2 years
9%
3–6 months
7%

Related work experience

2–4 years
26%
1–2 years
22%
None
18%
6–12 months
14%
1–3 months
9%
Up to 1 month
6%
3–6 months
5%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.