Roof Bolters, Mining
SOC code 47-5043 · O*NET-SOC 47-5043.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Roof Bolters, Mining pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$78,540
a year
Hourly
$37.76
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$78,100
$37.55 per hour
Middle 50%
$71,390 – $81,860
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$63,750 – $92,830
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
2,160
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $63,750
- $30.65/hr
- 25th percentile
- $71,390
- $34.32/hr
- Median percentile
- $78,540
- $37.76/hr
- 75th percentile
- $81,860
- $39.36/hr
- 90th percentile
- $92,830
- $44.63/hr
What do roof bolters, mining do?
Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.
- Pull down loose rock that cannot be supported.
- Position bolting machines, and insert drill bits into chucks.
- Perform safety checks on equipment before operating.
- Perform tests to determine if methane gas is present.
- Force bolts into holes, using hydraulic mechanisms of self-propelled bolting machines.
- Perform ventilation tasks, such as hanging ventilation curtains and tubes.
- Dust rocks after bolting.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 87% 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)87%
- Less than a High School Diploma13%
Common questions
How much does a roof bolters, mining earn?
The national median is $78,540 a year. The full range runs from $63,750 at the 10th percentile to $92,830 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 roof bolters, 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
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
- Active Listening3.1/5
- Speaking3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Mechanical3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.5/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
- Law and Government3.0/5
- English Language2.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Troubleshooting, Equipment Maintenance, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving.