Excavating Machine Operator

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who love operating powerful machinery and working outdoors.
Play a crucial role in construction and mining by moving earth efficiently.
Master the art of precision digging with advanced equipment.

💰 Earn $48K-$105K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -0.8% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.

Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Steady (Staying constant (within 1%))

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

3,500 Annually

Median Earnings

$64,550 in California

$50,050 Nationally

$25K

$50K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Excavating Machine Operator? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@teamelmers

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Critical Thinking
Equipment Maintenance
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Repairing
Troubleshooting

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Excavating Machine Operator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years