Average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary in Texas
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Texas earn an average annual salary of $50,580. This figure is notably below the national average of $58,100. The specific economic landscape and demand within Texas's mining and construction sectors significantly influence this localized compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,450.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 4,910 individuals, the presence of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining is well-established in Texas. The Location Quotient of 1.6 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 60% higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these skilled professionals within the state's industries.
Salary Overview
The average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Texas earns-12.9%below the national average.
$24.3
$973
$4,215
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Texas have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased infrastructure projects, commodity prices, and the general economic climate likely contributed to upward pressure on wages in this specialized field.
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Distribution in Texas
Career progression for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Texas typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the growing responsibility and expertise gained over time. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify this career trajectory.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,700 | $18.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,935 | $18.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,840 | $23 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $63,225 | $30.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $69,450 | $33.4 |
Detailed Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,387
Adjusted for COL (93)
The average annual salary of $50,580 in Texas, when compared to a Cost of Living Index of 93 (meaning it's 7% cheaper than the national average), suggests that the nominal income offers a reasonable purchasing power. While the salary is below the national average, the lower cost of living can help offset this difference, potentially making the effective take-home pay more competitive than it initially appears.
Job Market Context
4,910
Total Jobs
0.355
Per 1K Jobs
1.6
Location Quotient
Texas has 1.6x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.6 for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Texas signifies a strong concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates that Texas is a key state for this occupation, with a job market that is more abundant in opportunities relative to the national distribution, suggesting a healthy demand and a competitive environment for these specialized operators.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Comparing salaries near Texas
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 Texas?
The median annual salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Texas is $50,580. This typically ranges from $37,700 for entry-level positions to $69,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Texas is 12.9% lower than the national median of $58,100.
Is Texas a lucrative place for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, the strong concentration of jobs (LQ 1.6) and a lower cost of living (93) suggest good earning potential and purchasing power for these operators in Texas.
Is Texas a good place to live for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($45,470) and Waco, TX.
How does Texas compare to the national average salary for this role?
The average annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Texas is $50,580, which is lower than the national average of $58,100.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.6 mean for this job in Texas?
A Location Quotient of 1.6 means that Texas has 60% more of these jobs per worker than the national average, indicating a higher concentration and potentially stronger demand in the state.
How does the cost of living in Texas affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93, Texas is 7% cheaper than the national average. This means the $50,580 salary can provide a higher purchasing power than the same amount would in a higher cost-of-living area.
Is the job market for these operators strong in Texas?
Yes, the market appears strong, evidenced by the high Location Quotient (1.6) and a significant local workforce of 4,910, suggesting robust industry presence and ongoing need for these specialized skills.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,910 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 0.355 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 Texas