Find Trade Colleges
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado
Thinking about a career as an Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado? Here’s what the data says. Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
What do Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Make in Colorado?
The excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining working in Colorado, wages run about $61,660 per year (or roughly $29.65/hour).Annual wages span from $49,070 at the 10th percentile to $91,740 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,070 | $23.59 |
| 25th percentile | $51,790 | $24.90 |
| Median (50th) | $61,660 | $29.65 |
| 75th percentile | $76,460 | $36.76 |
| 90th percentile | $91,740 | $44.11 |
The job concentration index in Colorado relative to the national average — is 1.29, suggesting that excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining earn a median of $42,921 per year ($20.64/hour), exceeding the Colorado median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 698,748 excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining across the United States. In Colorado alone, approximately 820 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 580 excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining.
Top Colorado Metros for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
The metro areas below employ the most excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining in Colorado.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | 190 | $62,650 |
| Greeley, CO | 130 | $59,050 |
| Pueblo, CO | 40 | $61,980 |
Top States for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Employment
The table below shows the states where the most excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 4,910 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,660 |
| Florida | 1,660 |
| Virginia | 1,480 |
| New York | 1,410 |
| Georgia | 1,390 |
| Oklahoma | 1,270 |
| Ohio | 1,040 |
| Illinois | 1,020 |
| Indiana | 950 |
| California | 900 |
| New Jersey | 840 |
| Colorado | 820 |
| Kentucky | 780 |
| West Virginia | 780 |
| Washington | 760 |
| Michigan | 750 |
| Minnesota | 740 |
| Maryland | 730 |
| Iowa | 710 |
Highest-Paying States for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
The highest-paying states for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $105,490 |
| Minnesota | $79,060 |
| Alaska | $78,690 |
| North Dakota | $76,690 |
| Wyoming | $76,160 |
| Massachusetts | $74,300 |
| California | $73,580 |
| Indiana | $68,200 |
| Maryland | $65,060 |
| Montana | $64,740 |
Skills
Top excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining typically:
- 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.
- Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
- Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.
- Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.
- Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.
Work Activities
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
Related Careers
Other careers like excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining include:
- Agricultural Equipment Operators
- Construction Laborers
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
- Pile Driver Operators
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Also Known As
Aerial Tram Operator, Air Shovel Operator, Back Digger Operator, Back Filler Operator, Back Hoe Machine Operator, Back Hoe Operator, Backhoe Operator, Clam Shovel Operator, Coal Equipment Operator, Diesel Scoop Operator, Dragline Oiler, Dragline Operator, Earth Moving Equipment Operator, Earth Moving Machine Operator, Earth Moving Technician.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 47-5022.00
TradeCollege.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. TradeCollege.org is a for-profit site, and the displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TradeCollege.org – All Rights Reserved.