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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$80,600
Median Annual Salary
▲ +29.3% vs 2024
$73,360
Mean Salary
$80,600
Median Salary
$38.75
Hourly Rate
1,310 people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Illinois

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

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 Illinois — 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 Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $46,130$46,13025th25% earn less than $57,720$57,720MedianHalf earn more than $80,600$80,60075th75% earn less than $87,580$87,58090thTop 10% earn more than $93,290$93,290

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Illinois earn a median salary of $80,600 per year ($6,716/month). This is 34.8% above the national average of $59,780. Illinois ranks #2 out of 49 states for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay. Approximately 1,310 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 29.3% 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)

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

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

Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Illinois range from $46,130 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $93,290 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $57,720 and $87,580.

Median $80,600
P10: $46,130 P25: $57,720 P75: $87,580 P90: $93,290
10th
$46,130
25th
$57,720
Median
$80,600
75th
$87,580
90th
$93,290
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $46,130 $22.18 $3,844
25th Percentile $57,720 $27.75 $4,810
Median (50th) $80,600 $38.75 $6,716
75th Percentile $87,580 $42.11 $7,298
90th Percentile (Experienced) $93,290 $44.85 $7,774

Note: The mean (average) salary of $73,360 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#2
Illinois ranks #2 of 49 states
$59,780
National avg. for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
+34.8%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary in Illinois 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 Illinois after taxes →

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

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 Illinois?
The median annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Illinois is $80,600 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $73,360.
What is the salary range for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Illinois?
Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Illinois range from $46,130 at the 10th percentile to $93,290 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $57,720 and $87,580.
What is the starting salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Illinois?
Entry-level Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining positions in Illinois typically start around $46,130 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $57,720 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,310 people are employed as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Illinois?
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 Illinois is approximately $38.75 per hour.

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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

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