In the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area, Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining earn an average annual salary of $46,200. This figure is notably below the national average of $58,100, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the specific nature of mining operations in the region, may influence compensation levels compared to the broader U.S. landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,470.
- Outlook: The local job market for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL, comprises approximately 280 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area. The presence of nearly 300 workers suggests an established, albeit not rapidly expanding, sector for these specialized skills.
Salary Overview
The average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns-20.5%below the national average.
$22.2
$888
$3,850
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Tampa is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. Increased infrastructure projects and ongoing resource extraction activities typically contribute to upward pressure on wages, even if the pace of growth varies by region and specific industry segment.
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Career progression for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining typically correlates with increased earnings. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while operators with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and a proven safety record can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the value placed on expertise and reliability in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $43,970 | $21.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,650 | $16.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $43,970 | $21.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,750 | $27.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $50,470 | $24.3 |
Detailed Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,200 in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average for the occupation, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the $46,200 salary offers a standard cost of living experience relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
0.194
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has 0.88x the national average concentration of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.88 for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL, indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated in the region compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and supported by a workforce of 280 individuals, it is not a dominant industry sector within the local economy, implying a moderately competitive job market for these specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $46,200. This typically ranges from $43,970 for entry-level positions to $50,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 20.5% lower than the national median of $58,100.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?
No, it is not currently a more lucrative place compared to the national average.The average salary of $46,200 is below the national average of $58,100, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, meaning less disposable income.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($44,910) and North Florida nonmetropolitan area.
What is the total number of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Tampa?
There are approximately 280 Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining employed in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metropolitan area.
How does the concentration of these jobs in Tampa compare to the national average?
The Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates that these jobs are slightly less concentrated in Tampa compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market.
What does a Cost of Living Index of 100 mean for this salary?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 signifies that the general cost of goods and services in Tampa is on par with the national average, meaning the $46,200 salary has average purchasing power.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for this role in Tampa?
Yes, like most skilled trades, experience plays a crucial role, with senior operators typically earning substantially more than entry-level workers, reflecting a clear career progression path.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 0.194 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL