Median pay
$68,860
Median annual pay for Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Construction and Trades
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Operate underground loading or moving machine to load or move coal, ore, or rock using shuttle or mine car or conveyors. Equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.
10-year growth
-22.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
6,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
-1,400
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: Short-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
- 1Active Listening
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Speaking
- 4Monitoring
- 5Reading Comprehension
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Mechanical
- 2Education and Training
- 3Law and Government
- 4English Language
- 5Production and Processing
- 6Public Safety and Security
Abilities
- 1Control Precision
- 2Multilimb Coordination
- 3Reaction Time
- 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
- 5Manual Dexterity
- 6Near Vision
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Conventional
- 3Investigative
- 4Artistic
- 5Enterprising
- 6Social
Work styles
- 1Dependability
- 2Cautiousness
- 3Stress Tolerance
- 4Attention to Detail
- 5Perseverance
- 6Integrity
Work activities
- 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- 3Controlling Machines and Processes
- 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- 5Getting Information
- 6Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Work context
- 1Exposed to Contaminants
- 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- 3Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 5Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- 6Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Representative tasks
- Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables.
- Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.
- Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.
- Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.
- Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.
- Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.
- Examine roadway and clear obstructions from the path of travel.
- Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.
Software and tools
Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyAutomated systems softwareInventory management systemsMaintenance management softwareMine maintenance softwareWork time accounting software
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.