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Average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area earn an impressive average annual salary of $72,120. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $58,100, indicating a strong local demand for these specialized skills. The higher compensation in this region can often be attributed to the specific industrial needs and the cost of operating within this metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $72,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,450.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 230 professionals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.36, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area shows a specialized but not overly concentrated market for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators. While the concentration is below the national average, the presence of a dedicated workforce suggests ongoing operational needs within the region's surface mining and related industries.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$72,120

The average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+24.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34.7

Weekly

$1,387

Monthly

$6,010

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Salary progression for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned operators with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching well into the six figures. The percentile gaps in salary data clearly signify the career progression available within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$49,140$23.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$54,090$26
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$59,470$28.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$90,150$43.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$104,450$50.2

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$72,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$72,120

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $72,120 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for operators. While not offering a significant cost advantage, the salary ensures a comparable standard of living to the national benchmark.

Job Market Context

230

Total Jobs

0.08

Per 1K Jobs

0.36

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.36x, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has a notably lower concentration of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.36 indicates that Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators are less concentrated in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a presence of these professionals, the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment. Employers might need to actively recruit to fill positions.

Nearby Job Markets

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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?

The median annual salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $72,120. This typically ranges from $49,140 for entry-level positions to $104,450 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 24.1% higher than the national median of $58,100.

Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?

Yes, it is a lucrative location.The average salary of $72,120 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering strong purchasing power.

Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?

The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?

Some top paying nearby cities include Vineland, NJ ($76,690) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is $72,120, which is substantially higher than the national average of $58,100.

What is the concentration of these operators in the Philadelphia area?

The Location Quotient is 0.36, meaning these operators are less concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This suggests a potentially less competitive job market.

Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the salary of $72,120 holds its value comparably to the national average, providing a standard purchasing power.

How many Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators work in this region?

There are approximately 230 Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators employed in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington 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 230 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 0.08 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.