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 Tennessee

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$49,500
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.1% vs 2024
$54,260
Mean Salary
$49,500
Median Salary
$23.80
Hourly Rate
550 people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tennessee

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

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 Tennessee — 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 Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $40,800$40,80025th25% earn less than $45,880$45,880MedianHalf earn more than $49,500$49,50075th75% earn less than $59,130$59,13090thTop 10% earn more than $76,000$76,000

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tennessee earn a median salary of $49,500 per year ($4,125/month). This is 17.2% below the national average of $59,780. Tennessee ranks #40 out of 49 states for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay. Approximately 550 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries increased by 5.1% 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 Tennessee

Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tennessee range from $40,800 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $76,000 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $45,880 and $59,130.

Median $49,500
P10: $40,800 P25: $45,880 P75: $59,130 P90: $76,000
10th
$40,800
25th
$45,880
Median
$49,500
75th
$59,130
90th
$76,000
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $40,800 $19.62 $3,400
25th Percentile $45,880 $22.06 $3,823
Median (50th) $49,500 $23.80 $4,125
75th Percentile $59,130 $28.43 $4,927
90th Percentile (Experienced) $76,000 $36.54 $6,333

Note: The mean (average) salary of $54,260 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#40
Tennessee ranks #40 of 49 states
$59,780
National avg. for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
-17.2%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

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 Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tennessee is $49,500 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $54,260.
What is the salary range for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tennessee?
Salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tennessee range from $40,800 at the 10th percentile to $76,000 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $45,880 and $59,130.
What is the starting salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tennessee?
Entry-level Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining positions in Tennessee typically start around $40,800 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $45,880 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 550 people are employed as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee is approximately $23.80 per hour.

💼 Earning $49,500/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