Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
SOC code 47-5044 · O*NET-SOC 47-5044.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$74,500
a year
Hourly
$35.82
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$71,240
$34.25 per hour
Middle 50%
$61,410 – $79,150
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$52,030 – $87,730
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
5,930
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $52,030
- $25.02/hr
- 25th percentile
- $61,410
- $29.52/hr
- Median percentile
- $74,500
- $35.82/hr
- 75th percentile
- $79,150
- $38.05/hr
- 90th percentile
- $87,730
- $42.18/hr
What do loading and moving machine operators, underground mining do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables.
- Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.
- Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.
- Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.
- Stop gathering arms when cars are full.
- Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.
- Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.
- Examine roadway and clear obstructions from the path of travel.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 53% 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)53%
- Less than a High School Diploma40%
- Post-Secondary Certificate6%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1%
Common questions
How much does a loading and moving machine operators, underground mining earn?
The national median is $74,500 a year. The full range runs from $52,030 at the 10th percentile to $87,730 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 loading and moving machine operators, underground mining 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
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Speaking3.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Reading Comprehension2.9/5
- Monitoring2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical3.3/5
- Education and Training3.0/5
- Law and Government2.8/5
- English Language2.8/5
- Production and Processing2.8/5
- Public Safety and Security2.6/5
- Transportation2.5/5
- Administration and Management2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Troubleshooting, Coordination, Equipment Maintenance.