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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining to decrease by -15.8% between 2024 and 2034, from 5,900 to 5,000 jobs. Its estimate of 400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($74,500), 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)
5,900
Projected employment (2034)
5,000
Projected change (2024–2034)
-16%
Annual openings (projected average)
400
Pay & Preparation
$74,500
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operation and Control (3.38/5) • Operations Monitoring (3.25/5) • Troubleshooting (3.12/5) • Speaking (3/5) • Critical Thinking (3/5) • Equipment Maintenance (3/5)
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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