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Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary in Iowa
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining make in Iowa?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$59,390
Median Annual Salary
▲
+13.8% vs 2024
$56,370
Mean Salary
$59,390
Median Salary
$28.55
Hourly Rate
560 people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Iowa
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary by percentile in Iowa
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Iowa earn a median salary of $59,390 per year ($4,949/month).
This is 0.7% below the national average of $59,780.
Iowa ranks #22 out of 49 states for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay.
Approximately 560 people work in this occupation across Iowa.
Salaries increased by 13.8% 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 Iowa
Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Iowa range from $41,600 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $63,590 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $48,780 and $61,630.
Median $59,390
P10: $41,600P25: $48,780P75: $61,630P90: $63,590
10th
$41,600
25th
$48,780
Median
$59,390
75th
$61,630
90th
$63,590
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$41,600
$20.00
$3,466
25th Percentile
$48,780
$23.45
$4,065
Median (50th)
$59,390
$28.55
$4,949
75th Percentile
$61,630
$29.63
$5,135
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$63,590
$30.57
$5,299
Note: The mean (average) salary of $56,370 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#22
Iowa ranks #22 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 Iowa?
The median annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Iowa is $59,390 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $56,370.
What is the salary range for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Iowa?
Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Iowa range from $41,600 at the 10th percentile to $63,590 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $48,780 and $61,630.
What is the starting salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Iowa?
Entry-level Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining positions in Iowa typically start around $41,600 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $48,780 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 560 people are employed as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Iowa?
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 Iowa is approximately $28.55 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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