Skip to content
AffordMap
Construction & Trades · Pennsylvania

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

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Minings in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $48,730/year, which is 7% below the national average. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining takes home approximately $1,896/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$49K
Median salary in Pennsylvania
-7%
vs. national average
3.1%
State income tax
1,660
Employed in Pennsylvania

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

Gross annual salary$48,730
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.1% state tax)$3,308/mo
Median 2BR rent (Pennsylvania)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home42.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$48,730/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,896/mo

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

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Pennsylvania licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania employs 1,660 excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface minings. The highest concentrations are in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington and Reading.

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

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington$59K$28.59/hr230
Reading$57K$27.29/hr40
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton$50K$24.04/hr50
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre$49K$23.61/hr60
York-Hanover$49K$23.55/hr70
Pittsburgh$49K$23.53/hr300
Lancaster$49K$23.52/hr130
Chambersburg$48K$22.89/hr50

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

10th percentile (entry)
$39K
25th percentile
$46K
Median (50th)
$49K
75th percentile
$51K
90th percentile (senior)
$61K
View jobs for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Currently hiring in Pennsylvania
View →
More openings for Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Currently hiring in Pennsylvania
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining salary breakdown in Pennsylvania
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Pennsylvania
After federal + 3.1% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Pennsylvania cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

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 Pennsylvania?

The median excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining salary in Pennsylvania is $48,730 per year ($23.43/hr). This is 7% below the national median of $52,550. Salaries range from $38,500 to $61,070.

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

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

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

At the median salary of $48,730, a excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining in Pennsylvania would take home approximately $3,308/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 42.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

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

The highest paying metro areas for excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface minings in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington ($59,470), Reading ($56,750), Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton ($49,990). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

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

Yes, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $48,730 salary, this means roughly $1,496/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.