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Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary in Montana
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining make in Montana?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$65,850
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.7% vs 2024
$66,850
Mean Salary
$65,850
Median Salary
$31.66
Hourly Rate
150 people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Montana
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary by percentile in Montana
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Montana earn a median salary of $65,850 per year ($5,487/month).
This is 10.2% above the national average of $59,780.
Montana ranks #9 out of 49 states for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay.
Approximately 150 people work in this occupation across Montana.
Salaries increased by 1.7% 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 Montana
Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Montana range from $40,990 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $92,910 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $52,430 and $81,480.
Median $65,850
P10: $40,990P25: $52,430P75: $81,480P90: $92,910
10th
$40,990
25th
$52,430
Median
$65,850
75th
$81,480
90th
$92,910
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$40,990
$19.71
$3,415
25th Percentile
$52,430
$25.21
$4,369
Median (50th)
$65,850
$31.66
$5,487
75th Percentile
$81,480
$39.17
$6,790
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$92,910
$44.67
$7,742
Note: The mean (average) salary of $66,850 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#9
Montana ranks #9 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 Montana?
The median annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Montana is $65,850 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $66,850.
What is the salary range for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Montana?
Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Montana range from $40,990 at the 10th percentile to $92,910 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $52,430 and $81,480.
What is the starting salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Montana?
Entry-level Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining positions in Montana typically start around $40,990 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $52,430 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Montana?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 150 people are employed as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Montana.
What is the hourly rate for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Montana?
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 Montana is approximately $31.66 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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