Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators
O*NET title: Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Also called: Excavating Machine Operators, Surface Mining
Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
Also called: Aerial Tram Operator, Air Shovel Operator, Back Digger Operator, Back Filler Operator, Back Hoe Machine Operator, Back Hoe Operator
Median pay
$57,430
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$41,600 – $82,400
People employed
34,480
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 4.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 5.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators salary in every state →
What excavating and loading machine and dragline operators do
- 01Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
- 02Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
- 03Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
- 04Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
- 05Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
- 06Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from excavating and loading machine and dragline operators
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators93% · +4%
- Pile Driver Operators90% · +28%
- Hoist and Winch Operators89% · −2%
- Construction Laborers85% · −18%
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators85% · −7%
Change into excavating and loading machine and dragline operators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators93% · $59,850
- Dredge Operators91% · $49,640
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators91% · $53,340
- Construction Laborers90% · $47,120
- Hoist and Winch Operators89% · $56,450
Majors that lead here
- Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.