Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay in Iowa
In Iowa, the median pay for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining is $28.55 an hour ($59,390 a year). About 560 people work in this job there.
That is 3% higher than the U.S. median ($57,430). Iowa ranks 22nd of 49 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining in Iowa
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $20.00 | $41,600 |
| 25% of workers | $23.45 | $48,780 |
| Half of workers (median) | $28.55 | $59,390 |
| 75% of workers | $29.63 | $61,630 |
| 90% of workers | $30.57 | $63,590 |
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay in Iowa metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $61,990 | 60 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $61,830 | 80 |
| Cedar Rapids | $60,630 | 50 |
Iowa unemployment rate: 3.2% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 6 months to 1 year (O*NET)
- Experience usually needed to start: Less than 5 years (BLS)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +1% over ten years, little or no change · about 2,400 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Iowa
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Construction Laborers | $48,490 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $47,590 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $60,330 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $64,290 |
| Crane and Tower Operators | $67,600 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.