Roof Bolters, Mining

The short answer

Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.

The measurable national baseline is $76,640 median annual pay, -34.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034, and 100 projected openings per year. Use these figures as a national benchmark rather than a personal forecast; location, experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and hours can change individual outcomes.

Pay and the size of the opportunity

The national median-pay figure for Roof Bolters, Mining is $76,640. Current employment is 2,300, with projected 2034 employment of 1,500. Pay describes the middle worker nationally, not a guaranteed starting salary, and the employment totals describe the occupation's scale rather than the number of jobs available to one applicant.

Demand, growth, and annual openings

BLS projects -34.2% employment growth for Roof Bolters, Mining from 2024 to 2034 and about 100 openings per year. Growth measures whether the occupation is expanding, while annual openings also include replacement needs created when workers retire, change occupations, or leave the labor force.

Education and preparation

The typical BLS entry-education category is High school diploma or equivalent. Related work experience is None, and the listed on-the-job training category is Moderate-term on-the-job training. These categories summarize a national pathway; licensing, certification, portfolios, apprenticeships, or local employer requirements may add to it.

What the work involves

Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.

A representative O*NET task is: Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts. The broader activity profile emphasizes Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials, Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment, Controlling Machines and Processes.

Skills, knowledge, and tools

The strongest available O*NET skill signals are Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Active Listening. Leading knowledge areas are Production and Processing, Education and Training, Mechanical. These are national occupational signals, so a specific employer may emphasize a different mix. Examples of software or tools associated with the occupation include Caterpillar Cat MineStar System, Caterpillar Command.

Common questions

Sources

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