SalaryNode

Average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary in Georgia

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Georgia earn an average annual salary of $50,870. This figure is below the national average of $58,100, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demands of the mining sector within the state. The localized pay scale is intrinsically tied to the operational costs and market dynamics present in Georgia's surface mining industry.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,870 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,520.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,390 professionals, the demand for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Georgia is moderately established. The location quotient of 1.29 indicates a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for these specialized skills within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,870

The average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Georgia earns-12.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.5

Weekly

$978

Monthly

$4,239

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Distribution in Georgia

Salary progression for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Georgia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive operational knowledge and a proven safety record can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution underscore the career trajectory available, rewarding expertise and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$41,770$20.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,153$18.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$48,910$23.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$63,588$30.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$61,520$29.6

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,870

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,029

Adjusted for COL (89.2)

The average annual salary of $50,870 in Georgia presents a favorable financial situation when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 89.2. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in Georgia is likely higher than the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.

Job Market Context

1,390

Total Jobs

0.287

Per 1K Jobs

1.29

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.29, Georgia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining roles compared to the national norm.

Georgia's location quotient of 1.29 for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining signifies a job market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a slightly more competitive environment for skilled operators, indicating that employers actively seek out this talent within the state.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

Comparing salaries near Georgia

Hiring Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining make in Georgia?

The median annual salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Georgia is $50,870. This typically ranges from $41,770 for entry-level positions to $61,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Georgia is 12.4% lower than the national median of $58,100.

Is Georgia a lucrative place for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?

Yes, with a caveat. While the nominal salary is below the national average, the lower cost of living enhances purchasing power.The average salary of $50,870 is offset by a cost of living index of 89.2, which is below the national average. This means your earnings can go further in Georgia compared to many other states.

Is Georgia a good place to live for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.2 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Georgia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($54,300) and Columbus, GA-AL.

What is the average salary for this role in Georgia?

The average annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Georgia is $50,870.

How does Georgia's salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Georgia ($50,870) is lower than the national average ($58,100) for this occupation.

Is there high demand for these operators in Georgia?

With a location quotient of 1.29, the concentration of these roles in Georgia is slightly above the national average, indicating a steady demand.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Georgia?

Georgia's cost of living index of 89.2 is below the national average, meaning the $50,870 salary offers good purchasing power for residents.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,390 employees in the Georgia area with a job density of 0.287 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.