SalaryNode

Average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA

The average salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $49,330. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,330 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,400.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,330

The average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-15.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.7

Weekly

$949

Monthly

$4,111

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA

The earning potential for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, 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 $39,240, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $62,400.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,240$18.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$36,998$17.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,100$23.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$61,663$29.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$62,400$30

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,330

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,330

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $49,330 to $49,330.

Job Market Context

60

Total Jobs

0.238

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining roles compared to the national norm.

60 people work as Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Only 0.238 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?

The median annual salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $49,330. This typically ranges from $39,240 for entry-level positions to $62,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 15.1% lower than the national median of $58,100.

Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $49,330 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ ($55,170) and Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 0.238 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.