How much does a mining worker make?
a year · about $27 an hour
A typical mining worker in the United States makes $57,010 a year, about $27 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A shift may mean bringing equipment or supplies to a drilling or mining crew, then cleaning the work area. The exact duties depend on the mine and the kind of extraction work.
Did you know? U.S. mine rescue teams practice by solving pretend mine emergencies against the clock, while judges watch—like a safety contest.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $37,530 and $82,160How do you become one?
In the U.S., a high school diploma or GED is typical, followed by on-the-job training. Most hazardous mine jobs are for people 18 or older, and new miners must complete MSHA safety training suited to their mine.
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, location, and the type of mine or employer. More complex tasks, useful skills or credentials, and hours or shifts can also affect earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Pennsylvania ($79,520), lowest in Ohio ($44,550).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a tunnel digger averages $29,287. Mining worker salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,530 | $57,010 | $82,160 | about 6,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $79,520 | — |
| Colorado | $77,890 | about 60 |
| Idaho | $71,050 | about 40 |
| Nevada | $67,450 | about 390 |
| New York | $64,180 | about 50 |
Official definition: All extraction workers not listed separately.
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.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-and-training-by-occupation.htm
- www.msha.gov/training-education/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-mshas-traini
- www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/43-child-labor-non-agriculture
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes475081.htm
- www.msha.gov/training-education/mine-rescue-training
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY