Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the median pay for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining is $23.80 an hour ($49,500 a year). About 550 people work in this job there.

$23.80Median hourly pay
$45,880–$59,130Middle half of workers, yearly
550People in this job in Tennessee

That is 14% lower than the U.S. median ($57,430). Tennessee ranks 40th of 49 states and territories for this job’s median pay.

Pay range for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining in Tennessee

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$19.62$40,800
25% of workers$22.06$45,880
Half of workers (median)$23.80$49,500
75% of workers$28.43$59,130
90% of workers$36.54$76,000

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining pay in Tennessee metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Memphis$56,78060
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$53,800120
Kingsport-Bristol$49,43040

Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (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 Tennessee

JobMedian yearly pay
Construction Laborers$45,000
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$42,100
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$52,000
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$61,880
Crane and Tower Operators$59,410

Other job titles for this job

Backhoe OperatorAerial Tram OperatorAir Shovel OperatorBack Digger OperatorBack Filler OperatorBack Hoe Machine OperatorClam Shovel OperatorCoal Equipment OperatorDiesel Scoop OperatorDragline OilerDragline OperatorEarth Moving Equipment Operator

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Source: 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.