How much does a mine roof bolter make?
Answer: A typical mine roof bolter in the United States makes $78,540 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 2,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Mine roof bolter pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $79,400 | about 970 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a mine roof bolter do?
Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
A roof bolter does more than bolt the mine ceiling: the job also includes checking whether methane gas is present.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Construction and Extraction jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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