Continuous Mining Machine Operators
SOC code 47-5041 · O*NET-SOC 47-5041.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Continuous Mining Machine Operators pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$61,810
a year
Hourly
$29.72
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$65,050
$31.27 per hour
Middle 50%
$51,610 – $77,570
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$46,770 – $86,210
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
14,000
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $46,770
- $22.49/hr
- 25th percentile
- $51,610
- $24.81/hr
- Median percentile
- $61,810
- $29.72/hr
- 75th percentile
- $77,570
- $37.29/hr
- 90th percentile
- $86,210
- $41.45/hr
What does a continuous mining machine operator do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.
- Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.
- Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.
- Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
- Drive machines into position at working faces.
- Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.
- Reposition machines to make additional holes or cuts.
- Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.
How to become a continuous mining machine operator
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 81% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)81%
- Post-Secondary Certificate10%
- Some College Courses5%
- Less than a High School Diploma4%
Common questions
How much does a continuous mining machine operator earn?
The national median is $61,810 a year. The full range runs from $46,770 at the 10th percentile to $86,210 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a continuous mining machine operator without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.3/5
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Speaking3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical3.9/5
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- Law and Government3.4/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
- English Language2.8/5
- Administration and Management2.8/5
- Transportation2.7/5
- Public Safety and Security2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Judgment and Decision Making.