Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Oklahoma earn an average annual salary of $47,480. This figure is notably below the national average of $58,100, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demands of the mining sector within the state. The lower average salary in Oklahoma is influenced by a combination of local wage scales and the overall economic landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.7% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,500.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,270 individuals in this specialized field, Oklahoma demonstrates a significant concentration of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.39. This high concentration suggests a robust demand and established presence for these roles within the state's mining industry, pointing towards a stable job market for skilled operators.
Salary Overview
The average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Oklahoma earns-18.3%below the national average.
$22.8
$913
$3,957
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining have seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, increased demand for resources, and the need for experienced professionals in the sector. This upward trend is likely mirrored in Oklahoma, albeit potentially at a different pace than the national average.
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Distribution in Oklahoma
Salary progression for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining typically scales 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 career progression pathways, rewarding operators for their accumulated expertise and reliability.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,980 | $18.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,610 | $17.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,990 | $21.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,350 | $28.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $54,500 | $26.2 |
Detailed Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,209
Adjusted for COL (86)
The nominal average salary of $47,480 in Oklahoma presents a favorable financial situation when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 86. With a cost of living that is 14% lower than the national average, the purchasing power of an operator's salary in Oklahoma is effectively enhanced, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle despite the lower nominal wage compared to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
1,270
Total Jobs
0.753
Per 1K Jobs
3.39
Location Quotient
Oklahoma has 3.4x 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.
Oklahoma's Location Quotient of 3.39 for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining signifies a market that is 3.39 times more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive environment where the demand for these operators is significantly higher relative to the general workforce, suggesting strong opportunities for those with the requisite skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary | $46,970↓ 1% | 34 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary | $48,260↑ 2% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma
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 Oklahoma?
The median annual salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Oklahoma is $47,480. This typically ranges from $37,980 for entry-level positions to $54,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma is 18.3% lower than the national median of $58,100.
Is Oklahoma a lucrative place for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?
Yes, due to the cost of living.While the nominal salary is below the national average, Oklahoma's significantly lower cost of living means your earnings stretch further. The high concentration of these roles also indicates strong local demand.
Is Oklahoma a good place to live for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?
With a Cost of Living Index of 86 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oklahoma?
Some top paying nearby cities include Oklahoma City, OK ($46,970) and Tulsa, OK.
How does Oklahoma's cost of living affect salary perception?
Oklahoma's cost of living index of 86 means that $47,480 annually provides a higher effective purchasing power than the same amount would in a higher cost-of-living area, making it financially advantageous.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.39 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 3.39 indicates that this profession is significantly more prevalent in Oklahoma than the national average, suggesting a strong and established industry presence and potentially more job opportunities.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
With 1,270 operators, the local workforce is substantial, indicating a mature industry. This size can mean both a steady supply of jobs and a competitive environment for new entrants.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience in Oklahoma?
Yes, like most fields, experience plays a crucial role. Senior operators with specialized skills and a proven track record will command higher salaries than entry-level workers in Oklahoma.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,270 employees in the Oklahoma area with a job density of 0.753 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 Oklahoma