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Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$74,500
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.3% vs 2024
$85,520
Mean Salary
$74,500
Median Salary
$35.82
Hourly Rate
790 people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California earn a median salary of $74,500 per year ($6,208/month).
This is 24.6% above the national average of $59,780.
California ranks #8 out of 49 states for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay.
Approximately 790 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 1.3% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
Top Skills
Operation and Control
4.12
Operations Monitoring
3.62
Monitoring
3.12
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
3.24
Building and Construction
3.17
Public Safety and Security
2.97
English Language
2.65
Mathematics
2.63
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(71.1% of workers)
Salary Range: Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California
Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California range from $54,390 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $142,600 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $61,240 and $98,690.
Median $74,500
P10: $54,390P25: $61,240P75: $98,690P90: $142,600
10th
$54,390
25th
$61,240
Median
$74,500
75th
$98,690
90th
$142,600
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$54,390
$26.15
$4,532
25th Percentile
$61,240
$29.44
$5,103
Median (50th)
$74,500
$35.82
$6,208
75th Percentile
$98,690
$47.45
$8,224
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$142,600
$68.56
$11,883
Note: The mean (average) salary of $85,520 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#8
California ranks #8 of 49 states
$59,780
National avg. for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
How much do Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining make in California?
The median annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California is $74,500 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $85,520.
What is the salary range for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California?
Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California range from $54,390 at the 10th percentile to $142,600 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $61,240 and $98,690.
What is the starting salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California?
Entry-level Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining positions in California typically start around $54,390 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $61,240 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 790 people are employed as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California is approximately $35.82 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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