SOC 47-5022
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ57/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ34,210
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$53K
$40K โ $81K
Projected Growth
๐-0.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค29/100
Low exposure
๐ก Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining face a risk score of 57/100 โ 13 points above the national average of 44. With only 29/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $53K ($6K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 57/100, Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like bim-integrated automated progress tracking are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 34,210 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in client-facing consultation on custom project needs and fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
BIM-integrated automated progress tracking
3D printing of building components
Robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation
Drone-based site surveying and inspection
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Client-facing consultation on custom project needs
Fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations
Navigating unpredictable and unstructured job sites
Real-time safety judgment in hazardous conditions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
๐ป Technology Skills
Electronic mail software
Industrial control software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Presentation software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Building and Construction
Public Safety and Security
English Language
Mathematics
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 59% |
| Extraction Workers | 29 | $56K | 71% |
| Electricians | 32 | $62K | 80% |