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Average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

In Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining earn an average annual salary of $55,470. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,100, suggesting localized market dynamics and potentially different regional demand or operational scales influence compensation. The specific economic landscape of the Capital Region, NY, plays a crucial role in shaping these salary benchmarks for heavy equipment operators.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $55,470 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,030.
  • Outlook: The job market for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.99, indicating a demand nearly double the national average. Despite a total local workforce of 200, this high concentration suggests that the role is relatively more prevalent and potentially more stable within this specific region compared to other areas across the country.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$55,470

The average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earns-4.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.7

Weekly

$1,067

Monthly

$4,623

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Distribution in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Career progression for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on expertise and years of operational proficiency in this demanding field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$46,230$22.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$41,603$20
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$50,840$24.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$69,338$33.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$77,030$37

Detailed Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$55,470

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$55,470

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $55,470 in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of real income when relocating from or to a similarly priced area.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

0.44

Per 1K Jobs

1.99

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY has 2.0x the national concentration of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 1.99, the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY, market is significantly more concentrated with Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining than the national average. This suggests a robust demand for these specialized skills within the region, potentially leading to a more competitive job market for employers seeking qualified candidates, and offering more opportunities for experienced operators.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

The median annual salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $55,470. This typically ranges from $46,230 for entry-level positions to $77,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 4.5% lower than the national median of $58,100.

Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a lucrative place for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?

Yes, with a strong concentration of roles.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high Location Quotient of 1.99 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs, suggesting strong regional demand and opportunity.

Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a good place to live for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?

The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Pittsfield, MA ($65,940) and Glens Falls, NY.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $55,470, which is slightly lower than the national average of $58,100.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.99?

An LQ of 1.99 means that the concentration of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area is nearly double the national average, indicating a higher prevalence and demand for these roles locally.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100, which is the national average. This means the $55,470 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither particularly high nor low in real terms.

What is the total number of these operators in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area?

There are approximately 200 Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining employed in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area with a job density of 0.44 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.