In the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area, Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining earn an average annual salary of $48,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $58,100. Local market dynamics, including specific industry demands and the concentration of these roles, likely contribute to this pay differential compared to the broader national landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,590.
- Outlook: The local job market for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, shows a moderate level of activity. With a total local workforce of 860 individuals in this role, the presence of 0.266 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these skilled operators within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-16.1%below the national average.
$23.4
$937
$4,060
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in the Houston area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement would reflect increased operational costs and a sustained need for skilled labor in the region's industrial sectors.
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Salary progression for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as operators gain expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,070 | $19.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,540 | $17.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,390 | $22.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,900 | $29.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $60,590 | $29.1 |
Detailed Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,720 for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in the Houston area is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for these workers.
Job Market Context
860
Total Jobs
0.266
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.2, the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining compared to the national average. This indicates a localized demand that is somewhat more pronounced than elsewhere, suggesting that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a consistent need for these specialized roles within the region's economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| College Station-Bryan, TX Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary | $60,160↑ 23% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $48,720. This typically ranges from $40,070 for entry-level positions to $60,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 16.1% lower than the national median of $58,100.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?
No, it is not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $48,720 is below the national average of $58,100, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include College Station-Bryan, TX ($60,160) and others.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 860 indicates a substantial pool of experienced operators, suggesting a competitive job market where employers can find qualified candidates readily.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.2 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1.2 means that this occupation is 20% more concentrated in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX than the national average, implying a slightly stronger local demand.
How does the cost of living affect the $48,720 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $48,720 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning it is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to local expenses.
Are there opportunities for career growth in this role in Houston?
Yes, salary typically increases with experience, and the percentile gaps in earnings signify clear pathways for career progression from entry-level to senior operator positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 860 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 0.266 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX