Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
SOC Code: 47-5022
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining carries a 15% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $52,550 and -0.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 35,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 15% AI exposure, Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining sits 22 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 2% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining has ai exposure of 15%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining (SOC 47-5022) carries an AI exposure score of 15%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 35,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -0.4% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $52,550, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
- 2. Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
- 3. Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
- 4. Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
- 5. Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
- 6. Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
- 7. Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.
- 8. Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.
- 9. Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.
- 10. Create or maintain inclines or ramps.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Design
- Administration and Management
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining?
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining has an AI exposure score of 15%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining is projected to decline by 0.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 35,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining?
Key skills for Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining earn?
The median annual wage for Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining is $52,550, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining?
The typical entry-level education for Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining?
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).