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Construction and Trades

Helpers--Extraction Workers

Help extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers, blasters and explosives workers, derrick operators, and mining machine operators, by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying equipment or cleaning work area.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Helpers--Extraction Workers
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Median pay

$48,400
Median annual pay for Helpers--Extraction Workers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-1.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

7,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Helpers--Extraction Workers 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

High school diploma or equivalent
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. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Active Learning
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Transportation
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Public Safety and Security

Abilities

  1. 1Manual Dexterity
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Control Precision
  4. 4Multilimb Coordination
  5. 5Reaction Time
  6. 6Far Vision

Career interests

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

Work styles

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

Work activities

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

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  5. 5Exposed to Contaminants
  6. 6Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

Representative tasks

  • Observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems.
  • Drive moving equipment to transport materials and parts to excavation sites.
  • Unload materials, devices, and machine parts, using hand tools.
  • Set up and adjust equipment used to excavate geological materials.
  • Organize materials to prepare for use.
  • Repair and maintain automotive and drilling equipment, using hand tools.
  • Clean up work areas and remove debris after extraction activities are complete.
  • Clean and prepare sites for excavation or boring.

Software and tools

Google Docs · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technology

Sources

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

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