Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Construction and Extraction
Pushes a loading or moving machine into piles of blasted coal, ore, or rock, then hauls the load in a shuttle car to a ramp and dumps it into mine cars or onto a conveyor. While loading, they run the shuttle car conveyor to spread the material, keep trailing high-voltage cables clear with rubber gloves, and pry loose roof rock into the machine path with a crowbar. Roadways are checked before travel, and they watch hand signals and grade stakes. The work is underground around loaders and haul cars. It suits people who like driving haulage machines, reading signals, and handling electrical cables carefully.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$74'500
Median Wage Market Position
$74'500
What you might do
- Drive into piles of blasted coal or ore
- Haul loaded shuttle cars out to the ramp
- Dump loads into mine cars or conveyors
- Run the car conveyor to spread each load
- Move trailing cables aside with rubber gloves
- Pry loose roof rock into the machine's path
Skills that matter
- Shuttle-car control at dump ramps
- Load distribution on car conveyors
- Hand-signal reading while driving
- Crowbar work on loose roof rock
- Safe handling of trailing power cables
- Roadway checks before each move
AI & the future of this role
Much of this work means running heavy loaders in tight underground spaces where ground and traffic shift quickly. Remote or automated systems might take over routine hauls, but on-site judgment for safety and awkward conditions still tends to matter.
Does Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining fit your values?
Take the free LostInCareer assessment to see personalized matches based on your core values—not just a personality label.
Related careers
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details