Payloader operator vs back digger operator

The differences between payloader 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 payloader operator and a back digger operator. Additionally, a back digger operator has an average salary of $37,718, which is higher than the $36,148 average annual salary of a payloader operator.

The top three skills for a payloader operator include mission planning, UAS and UAV. The most important skills for a back digger operator are hand tools, PPE, and safety procedures.

Payloader operator vs back digger operator overview

	Payloader Operator	Back Digger Operator
Yearly salary	$36,148	$37,718
Hourly rate	$17.38	$18.13
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	30,099	31,523
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 35%	High School Diploma, 67%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Payloader operator vs back digger operator salary

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

	Payloader Operator	Back Digger Operator
Average salary	$36,148	$37,718
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $53,000	Between $26,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between payloader operator and back digger operator education

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

	Payloader Operator	Back Digger Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 35%	High School Diploma, 67%
Most common major	Aviation	Electrical Engineering Technology
Most common college	-	-

Payloader operator vs back digger operator demographics

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

	Payloader Operator	Back Digger Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6%	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 payloader operator and back digger operator duties and responsibilities

Payloader operator example responsibilities.

Perform payload operations and flight engineer duties including creating and managing Sigact (significant acts) PowerPoint presentations.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Perform both day and nighttime air reconnaissance missions.
Launch and re-cover the UAV using militarize radio controller.
Protect surface combat units and supply convoys in two war zones.
Prepare and conduct air reconnaissance surveillance, targeting and acquisition missions.

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.

Payloader operator vs back digger operator skills

Common payloader operator skills

Mission Planning, 40%
UAS, 23%
UAV, 14%
Flight Operations, 10%
Troubleshoot, 8%
Combat, 5%

Common back digger operator skills

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

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Transportation Industry
Payloader Operator
Payloader Operator vs Back Digger Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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