Construction & Trades · 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.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$77–94k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$97–114k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+0.6% · Slower than average
Projected growth of 0.6% from 2024 to 2034; about 2 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
1–2 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Operators
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Experienced Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Senior Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Director of Construction & Trades
You prioritize Support
This career is strongly aligned with Support — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires short-term training (less than 1 year), which matches common student preparation goals.
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