CFChooseField
Construction and Trades

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
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Median pay

$52,550
Median annual pay for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-0.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

3,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

35,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience; Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Learning
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Building and Construction
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Design

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Multilimb Coordination
  3. 3Depth Perception
  4. 4Manual Dexterity
  5. 5Reaction Time
  6. 6Arm-Hand Steadiness

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Self-Confidence

Work activities

  1. 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  2. 2Controlling Machines and Processes
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Handling and Moving Objects
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyEmail softwareGoogle GmailMachine control systemsMachine monitoring software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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