Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
SOC Code: 47-5022 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $68,994 | $91,333 | $113,672 | $136,011 |
| Vallejo, CA | $66,186 | $86,549 | $106,891 | $127,254 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $65,520 | $85,030 | $104,562 | $124,072 |
| Napa, CA | $62,691 | $83,054 | $103,397 | $123,760 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $67,454 | $85,717 | $103,958 | $122,221 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $62,774 | $82,056 | $101,338 | $120,619 |
| Yuba City, CA | $45,490 | $69,472 | $93,454 | $117,437 |
| West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area | $63,086 | $80,891 | $98,696 | $116,501 |
| Minot, ND | $57,824 | $76,253 | $94,682 | $113,110 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $68,702 | $83,408 | $98,134 | $112,840 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operation and Control | 4.1 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.6 | |
| Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 | |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.0 | |
| Equipment Selection | 3.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 | |
| Active Listening | 3.0 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 | |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Mechanical | 3.2 |
| Building and Construction | 3.2 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.0 |
| English Language | 2.6 |
| Mathematics | 2.6 |
| Design | 2.4 |
| Administration and Management | 2.4 |
| Transportation | 2.3 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 71.1% |
| Less than high school | 23.2% |
| Some college | 5.7% |
Typical Tasks
- Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
- Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
- Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
- Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
- Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
- Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
- Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
- Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word Email software Google Gmail Machine control systems Machine monitoring software Spreadsheet software Word processing software
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