What is an Underground Mining Loading Machine Operator?
Job Description: Operate underground loading machine to load coal, ore, or rock into shuttle or mine car or onto conveyors. Loading equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.
List of Underground Mining Loading Machine Operator Job Duties
- Signal workers to move loaded cars.
- Clean hoppers, and clean spillage from tracks, walks, driveways, and conveyor decking.
- 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.
- Estimate and record amounts of material in bins.
- Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.
- Stop gathering arms when cars are full.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Underground Mining Loading Machine Operator Should Know
Underground Mining Loading Machine Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles
- Miner
- Coke Loader
- Yard Loader Operator
- Under Ground Miner
- Production Miner
Job Outlook for Underground Mining Loading Machine Operators
In the United States, there were 2,600 jobs for Underground Mining Loading Machine Operator in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Underground Mining Loading Machine Operator. The BLS estimates 300 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Underground Mining Loading Machine Operator are Idaho, Missouri, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Illinois, Alabama, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Underground Mining Loading Machine Operator Average Salary
The salary for Underground Mining Loading Machine Operators ranges between about $32,920 and $69,890 a year.

Underground Mining Loading Machine Operators who work in Pennsylvania, Colorado, or West Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Underground Mining Loading Machine Operators make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $44,080 |
Colorado | $59,440 |
Iowa | $38,480 |
Kentucky | $40,250 |
Ohio | $41,540 |
Pennsylvania | $60,020 |
Texas | $39,550 |
Vermont | $38,830 |
West Virginia | $56,620 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Underground Mining Loading Machine Operators
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Underground Mining Loading Machine Operators:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Windows
- Maintenance management software
Becoming an Underground Mining Loading Machine Operator
What education is needed to be an Underground Mining Loading Machine Operator?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Underground Mining Loading Machine Operators Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Underground Mining Loading Machine Operators employed by various industries.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Are you already one of the many Underground Mining Loading Machine Operator in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |