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AI Work Index

Headline risk

3%

Very Low Risk

Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining

United States AI Work IndexISCO 8342title_match

United States AI Work Index tracks this occupation on the shared structural baseline and then layers on local demand resilience, wages, and confidence.

35.8 current · 35.6 projectedConfidence high

Why This Score

Tasks 100%

Share of job tasks that overlap with current AI capabilities

Wage $53K

Median annual wage

Demand -0%

Projected employment change over 10 years

Preparation Zone 2

Typical preparation needed for this occupation

Occupation profile

Operate or tend machinery at surface mining site, equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets to excavate and load loose materials.

Task evidence

100% weighted task match · 0% effective coverage

Scores combine AI task overlap, human advantages, and local demand. How it works

United States Now

Median Wage

USD 52,550

Employment 2024

35.8K

Projected Change (2024–34)

-0.4%

Openings (2024–34)

3.1K

Wage distribution

Bottom 10%: USD 39,65025th pctl: USD 46,290Median: USD 52,55075th pctl: USD 63,630Top 10%: USD 80,970

Demand outlook

Projections published, but no prose outlook available.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent Experience: —

Role Profile

Fine motorDetail orientedProblem solving and decision making

Tasks

  • 1. Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes. AI use: 0%
  • 2. Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation. AI use: 0%
  • 3. Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application. AI use: 0%
  • 4. Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications. AI use: 0%
  • 5. Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation. AI use: 0%
  • 6. Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads. AI use: 0%

Technologies

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word

Requirements

Minimum education level: 60.4%Minimum education level: 39.6%

Work context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets 4.9/5
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls 4.7/5
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams 4.5/5
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team 4.5/5
Contact With Others 4.4/5
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration 4.4/5

Worker profile

Median age 40.4 · 242K employed

Under 25: 16% · 25–54: 64% · 55+: 21%

Related

No direct US role match is available yet for this occupation.

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