Loading and Moving Machine Operators Salary by State
Also called: Loading Machine Operators, Mining
The national median pay for loading and moving machine operators is $74,500 a year. By state, it ranges from $44,760 in Oklahoma to $112,110 in Wyoming.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $52,030
- 25th percentile
- $61,410
- Median
- $74,500
- 75th percentile
- $79,150
- Top 10%
- $87,730
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 5,930 jobs.
Median pay in 20 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | $112,110 | +50% | $106,590 | $120,400 | 30 |
| 2 | Alaska | $93,130 | +25% | $74,460 | $117,340 | 50 |
| 3 | Nevada | $82,920 | +11% | $68,060 | $91,880 | 880 |
| 4 | South Carolina | $80,480 | +8% | $56,400 | $80,480 | 30 |
| 5 | Colorado | $79,150 | +6% | $68,470 | $81,070 | 70 |
| 6 | Virginia | $76,900 | +3% | $66,210 | $93,120 | 190 |
| 7 | Illinois | $75,890 | +2% | $65,630 | $87,210 | 90 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | $75,240 | +1% | $67,100 | $78,190 | Not published |
| 9 | West Virginia | $74,950 | +1% | $64,120 | $81,100 | 1,250 |
| 10 | Arizona | $72,430 | −3% | $57,850 | $79,260 | 100 |
| 11 | Ohio | $71,380 | −4% | $41,100 | $97,280 | 130 |
| 12 | New York | $60,890 | −18% | $47,030 | $61,300 | 140 |
| 13 | Alabama | $60,020 | −19% | $50,720 | $60,240 | 510 |
| 14 | Michigan | $59,310 | −20% | $47,260 | $70,920 | 80 |
| 15 | Missouri | $52,040 | −30% | $39,160 | $58,120 | 100 |
| 16 | Georgia | $50,380 | −32% | $37,760 | $64,210 | 100 |
| 17 | Louisiana | $48,670 | −35% | $36,930 | $72,360 | 110 |
| 18 | Iowa | $48,490 | −35% | $46,560 | $59,260 | 100 |
| 19 | Texas | $47,310 | −36% | $40,220 | $80,720 | 70 |
| 20 | Oklahoma | $44,760 | −40% | $33,440 | $73,160 | 70 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Loading and Moving Machine Operators salary questions
Which state pays loading and moving machine operators the most?
Wyoming, with a median of $112,110 a year (+50% vs. the national median of $74,500). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays loading and moving machine operators the least?
Oklahoma, with a median of $44,760 a year (−40% vs. national).
Where do most loading and moving machine operators work?
West Virginia has the most jobs, about 1,250, with a median of $74,950.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.