Dragline operator vs back digger operator

The differences between dragline operators and back digger operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a dragline operator and a back digger operator. Additionally, a dragline operator has an average salary of $38,382, which is higher than the $37,718 average annual salary of a back digger operator.

The top three skills for a dragline operator include MSHA, loaders and . The most important skills for a back digger operator are hand tools, PPE, and safety procedures.

Dragline operator vs back digger operator overview

	Dragline Operator	Back Digger Operator
Yearly salary	$38,382	$37,718
Hourly rate	$18.45	$18.13
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	30,148	31,523
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 60%	High School Diploma, 67%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Dragline operator vs back digger operator salary

Dragline operators and back digger operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Dragline Operator	Back Digger Operator
Average salary	$38,382	$37,718
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $56,000	Between $26,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between dragline operator and back digger operator education

There are a few differences between a dragline operator and a back digger operator in terms of educational background:

	Dragline Operator	Back Digger Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 60%	High School Diploma, 67%
Most common major	Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies	Electrical Engineering Technology
Most common college	-	-

Dragline operator vs back digger operator demographics

Here are the differences between dragline operators' and back digger operators' demographics:

	Dragline Operator	Back Digger Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 98.4% Female, 1.6%	Male, 97.7% Female, 2.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between dragline operator and back digger operator duties and responsibilities

Dragline operator example 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

Back digger operator example responsibilities.

Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.

Dragline operator vs back digger operator skills

Common dragline operator skills

MSHA, 55%
Loaders, 45%

Common back digger operator skills

Hand Tools, 44%
PPE, 35%
Safety Procedures, 14%
CDL License, 7%

Dragline Operator vs. similar jobs

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Transportation Industry
Dragline Operator
Dragline Operator vs Back Digger Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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