Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Virginia
Excavating and loading machine operators at surface mining sites run heavy equipment with scoops, shovels, or buckets to dig up and load loose materials like coal, ore, or aggregates. These operators work outdoors at mines and quarries, moving earth and materials according to site plans and safety requirements. In Virginia the median pay is $59,480 a year, 4% above the national median of $57,430.
$59,480median pay in Virginia, per year
$48,590–$66,860middle half earn
1,150employed in Virginia
$57,430U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringMonitoringReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive Learning
Knowledge areas
MechanicalBuilding and ConstructionPublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageMathematics (knowledge)
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining.
Licenses and training in Virginia
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay in other states
North Dakota · $90,380Illinois · $80,600New Jersey · $80,310Wyoming · $78,230New Mexico · $76,350Massachusetts · $76,070Alaska · $74,680California · $74,500Montana · $65,850Connecticut · $65,710
Related occupations
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and GasDerrick Operators, Oil and GasRotary Drill Operators, Oil and GasService Unit Operators, Oil and GasExplosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and BlastersContinuous Mining Machine OperatorsRoof Bolters, MiningLoading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-5022.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Virginia, annual.