In Virginia, Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining earn an average annual salary of $54,850. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,100, suggesting that while the demand exists, specific regional economic factors and operational scales in Virginia may influence compensation levels compared to the broader national landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,730.
- Outlook: Virginia's market for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,480 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.64 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, signaling strong demand and a specialized industry presence within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Virginia earns-5.6%below the national average.
$26.4
$1,055
$4,571
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increased infrastructure projects, resource extraction demands, and the need for experienced operators.
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary Distribution in Virginia
Career progression for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators in Virginia typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher earnings, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the salary range.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,270 | $19.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,138 | $19.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $53,770 | $25.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,563 | $33 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $71,730 | $34.5 |
Detailed Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,093
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $54,850 in Virginia aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is nearly on par with the national average, indicating that while the cost of living is slightly higher than the national benchmark, the compensation offered is reasonably competitive within the local economic context.
Job Market Context
1,480
Total Jobs
0.364
Per 1K Jobs
1.64
Location Quotient
Virginia 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.64, Virginia demonstrates a notable concentration of Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining roles compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek skilled professionals within this sector, offering opportunities for those with relevant expertise.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary | $52,770↓ 4% | 41 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Salary | $49,470↓ 10% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
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 Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Virginia is $54,850. This typically ranges from $40,270 for entry-level positions to $71,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 5.6% lower than the national median of $58,100.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?
Moderately so.Virginia offers a slightly below-national average salary but a strong concentration of jobs, indicating good demand. The cost of living is also very close to the national average, making the salary reasonably competitive.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($52,770) and Lynchburg, VA.
What is the average salary for this role in Virginia?
The average annual salary for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in Virginia is $54,850.
How does Virginia's salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Virginia ($54,850) is slightly lower than the national average ($58,100) for this occupation.
Is there high demand for these operators in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia has a Location Quotient of 1.64, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, suggesting strong demand.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect this salary?
Virginia's Cost of Living Index is 101.4, just slightly above the national average. This means the $54,850 salary offers purchasing power very close to the national average, making it reasonably competitive.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,480 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.364 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 Virginia