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Construction and Trades

Continuous Mining Machine Operators

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Continuous Mining Machine Operators
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Median pay

$63,380
Median annual pay for Continuous Mining Machine Operators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

0.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

14,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Continuous Mining Machine Operators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Production and Processing
  3. 3Law and Government
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Multilimb Coordination
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Reaction Time
  6. 6Near Vision

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  6. 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Work context

  1. 1Exposed to Contaminants
  2. 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  3. 3Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  6. 6Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.
  • Reposition machines to make additional holes or cuts.
  • Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyFleet monitoring system softwareHitachi ZXLinkLeica Geosystems FMSMinitab

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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