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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$47,780
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.8% vs 2024
$52,300
Mean Salary
$47,780
Median Salary
$22.97
Hourly Rate
790 people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Kentucky

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

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 Kentucky — 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 Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $37,210$37,21025th25% earn less than $40,450$40,450MedianHalf earn more than $47,780$47,78075th75% earn less than $57,680$57,68090thTop 10% earn more than $68,390$68,390

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Kentucky earn a median salary of $47,780 per year ($3,981/month). This is 20.1% below the national average of $59,780. Kentucky ranks #45 out of 49 states for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay. Approximately 790 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries increased by 2.8% 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)

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

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

Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Kentucky range from $37,210 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $68,390 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $40,450 and $57,680.

Median $47,780
P10: $37,210 P25: $40,450 P75: $57,680 P90: $68,390
10th
$37,210
25th
$40,450
Median
$47,780
75th
$57,680
90th
$68,390
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $37,210 $17.89 $3,100
25th Percentile $40,450 $19.45 $3,370
Median (50th) $47,780 $22.97 $3,981
75th Percentile $57,680 $27.73 $4,806
90th Percentile (Experienced) $68,390 $32.88 $5,699

Note: The mean (average) salary of $52,300 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#45
Kentucky ranks #45 of 49 states
$59,780
National avg. for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
-20.1%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

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 Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Kentucky is $47,780 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $52,300.
What is the salary range for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Kentucky?
Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Kentucky range from $37,210 at the 10th percentile to $68,390 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $40,450 and $57,680.
What is the starting salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Kentucky?
Entry-level Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining positions in Kentucky typically start around $37,210 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $40,450 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 790 people are employed as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky is approximately $22.97 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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