Mining Machine Operator

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who love operating powerful machinery in dynamic environments.
Essential role in extracting vital resources that fuel global industries.
Unique chance to work underground, ensuring safety and efficiency.

💰 Earn $59K-$77K

📚 NO DEGREE REQUIRED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -1.8% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Operate self-propelled mining machines that rip coal, metal and nonmetal ores, rock, stone, or sand from the mine face and load it onto conveyors, shuttle cars, or trucks in a continuous operation.

Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.
Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.
Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.
Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
Drive machines into position at working faces.

Scoop

Minimum Education

None

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

1,800 Annually

Median Earnings

$60,910 in California

$61,420 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

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Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Complex Problem Solving
Installation
Quality Control Analysis
Repairing
Speaking
Troubleshooting

You value 🙏

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Mining Machine Operator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years