How much does a coal mining operator make?
a year · about $30 an hour
A typical coal mining operator in the United States makes $61,810 a year, about $30 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They check roof supports, ventilation and methane, then steer a cutter into the coal face and watch it feed coal onto a conveyor or shuttle car. They listen for trouble, reposition the machine, and help maintain it underground.
Did you know? Surprise: continuous mining cuts coal without the drilling and blasting used in conventional mining.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $46,770 and $86,210How do you become one?
In the U.S., finish high school or an equivalent if possible, be at least 18, and complete required MSHA training before underground work. Many start as helpers and learn machine operation, maintenance, and safety from experienced miners on the job.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can vary with experience, skill, and any relevant certificates or training, plus the type of mining company and job responsibilities. Location and hours or shifts can matter too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Minnesota ($90,820), lowest in New York ($46,450).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $46,770 | $61,810 | $86,210 | about 14,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $90,820 | about 420 |
| Nevada | $85,590 | about 1,000 |
| Wyoming | $85,260 | about 330 |
| Colorado | $81,110 | about 290 |
| West Virginia | $77,570 | about 720 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-5041.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/find-salary.aspx?dataview=table&hourly=False
- apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/clusters/OccupationDetails/100381?parentId=110100&s
- www.ecfr.gov/current/title-30/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-48/subpart-A/section-4
- apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/clusters/OccupationDetails/100381?parentId=110200&s
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY