How to become an excavating and loading machine and dragline operator, surface mining

Q: How do I become an excavating and loading machine and dragline operator, surface mining?

The typical entry-level education is usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..

Q: How much does an excavating and loading machine and dragline operator, surface mining make?

The median pay in the United States is $57,430 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025).

Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.Typical entry-level education

$57,430Median pay a year

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..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.

What excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining do

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.
Create or maintain inclines or ramps.

Skills that matter most

Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Writing
Learning Strategies

Is excavating and loading machine and dragline operator, surface mining a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 13% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

North Dakota $90,380
Illinois $80,600
New Jersey $80,310
Wyoming $78,230
New Mexico $76,350

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.