Helpers--Extraction Workers
SOC code 47-5081 · O*NET-SOC 47-5081.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Helpers--Extraction Workers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$47,730
a year
Hourly
$22.95
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$50,620
$24.34 per hour
Middle 50%
$41,430 – $57,920
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$36,960 – $68,020
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
6,700
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $36,960
- $17.77/hr
- 25th percentile
- $41,430
- $19.92/hr
- Median percentile
- $47,730
- $22.95/hr
- 75th percentile
- $57,920
- $27.84/hr
- 90th percentile
- $68,020
- $32.70/hr
What does a helpers--extraction worker do?
Help extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers, blasters and explosives workers, derrick operators, and mining machine operators, by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying equipment or cleaning work area.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Provide assistance to extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers and derrick operators.
- Observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems.
- Drive moving equipment to transport materials and parts to excavation sites.
- Unload materials, devices, and machine parts, using hand tools.
- Set up and adjust equipment used to excavate geological materials.
- Organize materials to prepare for use.
- Repair and maintain automotive and drilling equipment, using hand tools.
- Collect and examine geological matter, using hand tools and testing devices.
How to become a helpers--extraction worker
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 97% 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)97%
- Post-Secondary Certificate2%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2%
Common questions
How much does a helpers--extraction worker earn?
The national median is $47,730 a year. The full range runs from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $68,020 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 helpers--extraction worker 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
- Monitoring3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical4.0/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Transportation3.3/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
- Public Safety and Security2.9/5
- Education and Training2.9/5
- Production and Processing2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Coordination.