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How to become Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Miningeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.