Underground Mining Machine Operators, All Other
Construction and Extraction
Works below ground on mining machines that extract minerals, shifting between running the equipment, watching how it performs, and doing the upkeep that keeps it usable. Hazards in the work area are checked before they become accidents, and the crew stays in contact so extraction stays coordinated. Safety rules govern how the machines are used. The setting is underground, around heavy equipment. It suits people who like mixed machine work, regular maintenance, and working in a crew.
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$70'130
Median Wage Market Position
$70'130
What you might do
- Operate underground machines that extract minerals
- Watch machine output and correct the settings
- Do upkeep on mining machines between jobs
- Follow underground safety steps on every shift
- Scan work areas for unstable ground and hazards
- Call out moves so the crew stays in sync
Skills that matter
- Running mineral-extraction machines underground
- On-the-spot machine performance adjustments
- Routine upkeep of mining machines
- Hazard inspection of the work face
- Crew talk to time machine moves
- Work-area safety checks underground
AI & the future of this role
Running assorted underground machines mixes routine control work with unpredictable site conditions. Software-guided and remote equipment could absorb more of the standard operating steps, while hands-on troubleshooting and hazard awareness are likely to remain relevant.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details