SOC 47-5022
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Risk Score
⚠️57/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥34,210
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$53K
$40K – $81K
Projected Growth
📈-0.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖29/100
Low exposure
💡 Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining face a risk score of 57/100 — 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 →
💡 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 →
🔍 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 →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
BIM-integrated automated progress tracking
3D printing of building components
Robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation
Drone-based site surveying and inspection
🛡️ 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
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 59% |
| Extraction Workers | 29 | $56K | 71% |
| Electricians | 32 | $62K | 80% |