SalaryNode

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

The average salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Reading, PA is $56,510. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $56,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,090.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 40 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Reading, PA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$56,510

The average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Reading, PA earns-2.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.2

Weekly

$1,087

Monthly

$4,709

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

The earning potential for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings in Reading, 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 $48,290, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $61,090.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$48,290$23.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$42,383$20.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$56,750$27.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$70,638$34
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$61,090$29.4

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$56,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$56,510

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Reading, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $56,510 to $56,510.

Job Market Context

40

Total Jobs

0.257

Per 1K Jobs

1.16

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.16, Reading, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining roles compared to the national norm.

40 people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Reading, PA.

Only 0.257 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

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 Reading, PA?

The median annual salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Reading, PA is $56,510. This typically ranges from $48,290 for entry-level positions to $61,090 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 2.7% lower than the national median of $58,100.

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

It depends on your priorities. While the average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary in Reading, PA is $56,510 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Reading, PA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lancaster, PA ($51,050) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 40 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 0.257 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.