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What is a dragline operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a dragline operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $18.45 an hour? That's $38,382 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 32,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreDragline OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,382

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.6

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.27%

Asian 2.55%

Black or African American 9.24%

Hispanic or Latino 16.02%

Unknown 3.67%

White 67.25%

Gender

female 1.64%

male 98.36%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a dragline operator

  1. Explore dragline operator education requirements

    Most common dragline operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    60.0 %

    Certificate

    20.0 %

    Associate

    20.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific dragline operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    MSHA54.61%
    Loaders45.39%
  3. Complete relevant dragline operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New dragline operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a dragline operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real dragline operator resumes.
  4. Research dragline operator duties and responsibilities

    • wheel loaders, dozers and dragling, also complete tasks in welding and working on kenworth dump trucks.
    • Have ran draglines, trackhoes, backhoes, dozers, versahandlers, crains, and directional bore drilling equipment.
    • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
    • Load and unload merchandise from trucksDaily equipment checksDispose of waste following DHEC regulations
  5. Prepare your dragline operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your dragline operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a dragline operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable dragline operator resume templates

    Build a professional dragline operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your dragline operator resume.
    Dragline Operator Resume
    Dragline Operator Resume
    Dragline Operator Resume
    Dragline Operator Resume
    Dragline Operator Resume
    Dragline Operator Resume
    Dragline Operator Resume
    Dragline Operator Resume
    Dragline Operator Resume
  6. Apply for dragline operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a dragline operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first dragline operator job

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Average dragline operator salary

The average dragline operator salary in the United States is $38,382 per year or $18 per hour. Dragline operator salaries range between $26,000 and $56,000 per year.

Average dragline operator salary
$38,382 Yearly
$18.45 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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