Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining
SOC Code: 47-5044Also known as:
Buggy Driver, Buggy Man, Buggy Operator, Buggy Runner, Car Dropper
Median Annual Salary
$68,860
-22.3% growth (2024-2034)
500
Openings/Year
6K
Current Jobs
What 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.
💰 Salary
$68,860
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-22.3%
Decline
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
500
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
6,400
Projected Employment (2034)
5,000
Related Careers
Excavating and loading machine and dragline operators, surface mining
$52,550 •
-0.4% growth
Continuous mining machine operators
$63,380 •
+0.6% growth
Hoist and winch operators
$52,310 •
-1.1% growth
Industrial truck and tractor operators
$46,390 •
+1.1% growth
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders
$58,070 •
+4.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Troubleshooting
Active Listening
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.
- Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.
- Clean, fuel, service, and perform safety checks on all equipment, and repair and replace parts as necessary.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do loading and moving machine operators, underground mining make?
The median annual salary for loading and moving machine operators, underground mining is $68,860.
What education do loading and moving machine operators, underground mining need?
Most loading and moving machine operators, underground mining positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming a loading and moving machine operators, underground mining a good career choice?
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining is projected to see -22.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for loading and moving machine operators, underground mining?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to loading and moving machine operators, underground mining?
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining may also be known as: Buggy Driver, Buggy Man, Buggy Operator, Buggy Runner, Car Dropper, Car Dumper, Car Pincher, Cart Driver, Coal Hauler Operator, Coke Loader, Continuous Miner Operator, Equipment Loader Operator, Equipment Operator, Front End Loader Operator, Joy Loader, Joy Loading Machine Operator, Joy Operator, Load Haul Dump Operator (LHD Operator), Loader, Loader Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.