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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Continuous Mining Machine Operators to increase by 3.2% between 2024 and 2034, from 14,000 to 14,400 jobs. Its estimate of 1,400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($61,810), education (No formal educational credential), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
14,000
Projected employment (2034)
14,400
Projected change (2024–2034)
3%
Annual openings (projected average)
1,400
Pay & Preparation
$61,810
No formal educational credential
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operation and Control (3.88/5) • Operations Monitoring (3.88/5) • Equipment Maintenance (3.38/5) • Critical Thinking (3.25/5) • Troubleshooting (3.25/5) • Judgment and Decision Making (3.12/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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