Construction & Trades · Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$59–72k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$74–87k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
-0.4% · Declining
Projected decline of -0.4% from 2024 to 2034; about 3 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
1–2 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Mining
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Experienced Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Senior Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Director of Construction & Trades
You prioritize Support
This career is strongly aligned with Support — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Operation and Control
Operation and Control is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires short-term training (less than 1 year), which matches common student preparation goals.
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55 schools offer programs in this career field.
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