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

The average salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings in Lancaster, PA is $51,050. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lancaster, PA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Lancaster, PA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.35x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,050 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,370.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lancaster, PA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,050

The average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Lancaster, PA earns-12.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.6

Weekly

$982

Monthly

$4,254

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

The earning potential for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings in Lancaster, PA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $39,670, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $57,370.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,670$19.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,288$18.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$48,920$23.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$63,813$30.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$57,370$27.6

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,050

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,050

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Lancaster, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $51,050 to $51,050.

Job Market Context

130

Total Jobs

0.521

Per 1K Jobs

2.35

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Lancaster, PA has 2.4x 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.

130 people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Lancaster, PA.

Only 0.521 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

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

Comparing salaries near Lancaster, PA

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 Lancaster, PA?

The median annual salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Lancaster, PA is $51,050. This typically ranges from $39,670 for entry-level positions to $57,370 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lancaster, PA is 12.1% lower than the national median of $58,100.

Is Lancaster, PA a good place for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?

Yes, Lancaster, PA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($51,050), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Lancaster, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lancaster, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include York-Hanover, PA ($49,250) and Reading, PA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 130 employees in the Lancaster, PA area with a job density of 0.521 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.