Continuous mining machine operators
SOC Code: 47-5041Also known as:
Bore Miner Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Concrete Crusher Loader Operator, Continuous Miner, Continuous Miner Operator (CMO)
Median Annual Salary
$63,380
+0.6% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
15K
Current Jobs
What Continuous mining machine operators 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.
💰 Salary
$63,380
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.6%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
14,900
Projected Employment (2034)
15,000
Related Careers
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
$58,710 •
+3.6% growth
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
$52,550 •
-0.4% growth
Earth drillers, except oil and gas
$59,600 •
+2.9% growth
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining
$68,860 •
-22.3% growth
Helpers--extraction workers
$48,400 •
-1.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Equipment Maintenance
Critical Thinking
Troubleshooting
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Observe and listen to equipment operation to detect binding or stoppage of tools or other equipment malfunctions.
- Repair, oil, and adjust machines, and change cutting teeth, using wrenches.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Continuous mining machine operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a continuous mining machine operators:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Continuous mining machine operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become continuous mining machine operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do continuous mining machine operators make?
The median annual salary for continuous mining machine operators is $63,380.
What education do continuous mining machine operators need?
Most continuous mining machine operators positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming continuous mining machine operators a good career choice?
Continuous mining machine operators is projected to see +0.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for continuous mining machine operators?
Top colleges for aspiring continuous mining machine operators include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Pontotoc Technology Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to continuous mining machine operators?
Continuous mining machine operators may also be known as: Bore Miner Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Concrete Crusher Loader Operator, Continuous Miner, Continuous Miner Operator (CMO), Continuous Mining Machine Coal Miner, Continuous Mining Machine Company Miner, Continuous Mining Machine Contract Miner, Continuous Mining Machine Lode Miner, Continuous Mining Machine Miner, Continuous Mining Machine Operator, Continuous Mining Operator (CMO), Crusher Loader Equipment Operator, Crusher Loader Operator, Crusher Operator, Crusher Plant Operator, Dozer Operator, Equipment Operator, Excavator Operator, Forklift Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.