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 South Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$52,580
Median Annual Salary
▲ +14.0% vs 2024
$53,000
Mean Salary
$52,580
Median Salary
$25.28
Hourly Rate
330 people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina

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

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 South Carolina — 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 South Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $39,020$39,02025th25% earn less than $46,260$46,260MedianHalf earn more than $52,580$52,58075th75% earn less than $58,980$58,98090thTop 10% earn more than $61,730$61,730

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina earn a median salary of $52,580 per year ($4,381/month). This is 12.0% below the national average of $59,780. South Carolina ranks #36 out of 49 states for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay. Approximately 330 people work in this occupation across South Carolina. Salaries increased by 14.0% 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 South Carolina

Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina range from $39,020 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $61,730 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $46,260 and $58,980.

Median $52,580
P10: $39,020 P25: $46,260 P75: $58,980 P90: $61,730
10th
$39,020
25th
$46,260
Median
$52,580
75th
$58,980
90th
$61,730
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $39,020 $18.76 $3,251
25th Percentile $46,260 $22.24 $3,855
Median (50th) $52,580 $25.28 $4,381
75th Percentile $58,980 $28.36 $4,915
90th Percentile (Experienced) $61,730 $29.68 $5,144

Note: The mean (average) salary of $53,000 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#36
South Carolina ranks #36 of 49 states
$59,780
National avg. for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
-12.0%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

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 South Carolina?
The median annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina is $52,580 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $53,000.
What is the salary range for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina?
Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina range from $39,020 at the 10th percentile to $61,730 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $46,260 and $58,980.
What is the starting salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina?
Entry-level Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining positions in South Carolina typically start around $39,020 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $46,260 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 330 people are employed as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina is approximately $25.28 per hour.

💼 Earning $52,580/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