Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary in Colorado

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining make in Colorado?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$61,020
Median Annual Salary
▼ -1.0% vs 2024
$67,370
Mean Salary
$61,020
Median Salary
$29.34
Hourly Rate
820 people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary by percentile in Colorado

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary in Colorado — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado.10thBottom 10% earn less than $49,400$49,40025th25% earn less than $56,510$56,510MedianHalf earn more than $61,020$61,02075th75% earn less than $79,390$79,39090thTop 10% earn more than $94,930$94,930

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado earn a median salary of $61,020 per year ($5,085/month). This is 2.1% above the national average of $59,780. Colorado ranks #17 out of 49 states for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay. Approximately 820 people work in this occupation across Colorado. Salaries decreased by 1.0% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado

Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado range from $49,400 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $94,930 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $56,510 and $79,390.

Median $61,020
P10: $49,400 P25: $56,510 P75: $79,390 P90: $94,930
10th
$49,400
25th
$56,510
Median
$61,020
75th
$79,390
90th
$94,930
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $49,400 $23.75 $4,116
25th Percentile $56,510 $27.17 $4,709
Median (50th) $61,020 $29.34 $5,085
75th Percentile $79,390 $38.17 $6,615
90th Percentile (Experienced) $94,930 $45.64 $7,910

Note: The mean (average) salary of $67,370 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#17
Colorado ranks #17 of 49 states
$59,780
National avg. for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
+2.1%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary in Colorado adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining take-home pay in Colorado after taxes →

Explore Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Data in Colorado

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary by State

Compare Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado is $61,020 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $67,370.
What is the salary range for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado?
Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado range from $49,400 at the 10th percentile to $94,930 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $56,510 and $79,390.
What is the starting salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado?
Entry-level Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining positions in Colorado typically start around $49,400 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $56,510 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 820 people are employed as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado.
What is the hourly rate for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Colorado?
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 Colorado is approximately $29.34 per hour.

💼 Earning $61,020/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn