Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina
Considering working as an Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina? Here’s what you need to know. 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 South Carolina?
For a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining working in South Carolina, the median annual wage is $46,130 per year (or roughly $22.18/hour).Pay can range from $36,180 at the 10th percentile to $63,250 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,180 | $17.39 |
| 25th percentile | $38,930 | $18.72 |
| Median (50th) | $46,130 | $22.18 |
| 75th percentile | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| 90th percentile | $63,250 | $30.41 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in South Carolina compared to the national average — is 1.16, 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 South Carolina median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 698,748 excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining nationwide. In South Carolina alone, around 580 people work in this role. That’s in line with the typical state median of 580.
Top South Carolina 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 South Carolina.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 310 | $40,230 |
| Columbia, SC | 90 | $50,450 |
Top States for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Employment
These states have the highest employment of 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
Key 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
Top abilities for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- 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?
Related college programs include:
- Ground Transportation
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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
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