How much does a mine roof bolter make?
a year · about $38 an hour
A typical mine roof bolter in the United States makes $78,540 a year, about $38 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
First, they inspect the machine and check the mine roof and air for hazards such as methane. Then they drill measured holes, install support bolts, and test that they are secure.
Did you know? A roof bolter does more than bolt the mine ceiling: the job also includes checking whether methane gas is present.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $63,750 and $92,830How do you become one?
A high school diploma or GED is typical, and federal rules bar people under 18 from most mine jobs. Complete MSHA mine-safety and task training, then learn to operate the bolter 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 United States, pay can vary with experience and skill, the mining industry or employer, and local demand and location. Hours worked can matter too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Wyoming ($116,570), lowest in Alabama ($67,020).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $63,750 | $78,540 | $92,830 | about 2,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $116,570 | about 100 |
| Illinois | $81,860 | about 200 |
| Colorado | $81,270 | about 40 |
| West Virginia | $79,400 | about 970 |
| Virginia | $78,260 | about 110 |
Official definition: Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.
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/ooh/occupation-finder.htm?start=125
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/47-5043.00
- www.msha.gov/sites/default/files/Support_Resources/Forms/2025/MSHA_5000-23.pdf
- www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/43-child-labor-non-agriculture
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes475043.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY