Excavating Machine Operators
Excavating Machine Operators operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials.
Table of Contents
Job description
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials.
- 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 with 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.
Salary
Excavating Machine Operators with little to no experience tend to make between $29580 and $35580 while the more experienced ones can earn over $56810 per year.
Top 5 paying states | Hourly | Annual |
---|---|---|
AK | $35 | $73,380 |
NY | $35 | $72,400 |
WY | $34 | $71,730 |
NJ | $34 | $71,690 |
CA | $32 | $65,510 |
One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as an Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator is to move to a higher paying state like AK. Right now, the highest paying states for Excavating Machine Operators are AK, NY, WY, NJ and CA.
However, a higher pay at AK doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at AK might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.
Three other factors that can increase your salary as an Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.
Requirements
We asked other Excavating Machine Operators what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by less than a High School Diploma.
Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation |
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of being an Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator.
PROS |
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Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work |
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment |
This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors. |
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career. |
CONS |
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Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others |
Salary is below average |
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week) |
What is the job like
61% of Excavating Machine Operators said they were satisfied with their job and 47% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.
Is this right for me
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..
They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Learn more about Excavating Machine Operators
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Related career information
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