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Construction & Trades · California

How to Become a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining in California

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings in California earn a median salary of $73,580/year, which is 40% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~4.1%. After taxes and rent, a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining takes home approximately $3,352/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$74K
Median salary in California
+40%
vs. national average
4.1%
State income tax
900
Employed in California

What a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining can afford in California

Gross annual salary$73,580
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.1% state tax)$4,764/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home29.6% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$73,580/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$3,352/mo

Becoming a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining in California

1

Meet education requirements

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface minings. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 900 excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface minings. The highest concentrations are in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$139K$66.98/hr40
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$122K$58.56/hr80
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$95K$45.8/hr30
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$64K$30.82/hr110
Bakersfield-Delano$58K$28/hr60

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$49K
25th percentile
$58K
Median (50th)
$74K
75th percentile
$93K
90th percentile (senior)
$138K
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Full excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining salary breakdown in California
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Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining make in California?

The median excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining salary in California is $73,580 per year ($35.38/hr). This is 40% above the national median of $52,550. Salaries range from $49,150 to $138,050.

What are the requirements to become a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining in California?

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $73,580, a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining in California would take home approximately $4,764/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 29.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface minings in California?

The highest paying metro areas for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface minings in California are Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom ($139,310), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($121,790), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($95,260). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface minings?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.1%. On a $73,580 salary, this means roughly $2,985/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.