Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
O*NET 47-5022.00 · SOC 47-5022
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator is a solid career choice. Median pay is $57k a year with +1% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 2,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Operate excavators or draglines to remove overburden at mines.
- →Load blasted rock or coal into haul trucks.
- →Grade and level mine benches using excavating equipment.
- →Dig trenches or channels to manage water drainage on site.
- →Inspect equipment daily for hydraulic leaks or mechanical issues.
Education & How to Get In
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as an Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining is projected to grow 1% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·51% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator make?
The median Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator earns $57k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator jobs?
Our model puts Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator at 42 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 51% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 1% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 2,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator?
Most Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become an Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes