Construction Laborers
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Crane and Tower Operators
Hoist and Winch Operators
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
CAREER
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Overview
Salary Median (2023)
$50,050
Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
+2.9% (slower than the average)
Career
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.
Other Job Titles Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining May Have
Backhoe Operator, Dragline Oiler, Dragline Operator, Equipment Operator, Excavator Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Loader Operator, Pit Operator, Track Hoe Operator
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- 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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (71%)
Less than high school diploma
High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Majors Related to Career
This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
