Miner Career Guide,
Salary, Licence & Jobs 2026

Miners are anchored to the Continuous Mining Machine Operators code (SOC 47-5041), where the OEWS May 2025 median is $61,810 a year, about $29.72 an hour, from $46,770 at the 10th percentile to $86,210 at the 90th; related underground extraction roles vary across nearby codes. Experienced miners qualified on continuous miners and longwall systems, and those working premium shifts or advancing to section boss, earn toward the upper part of that range.

No degree is required, but you must complete MSHA new-miner training — Part 48 for underground or Part 46 for surface mines — plus site-specific training before working at a mine. You then learn the extraction cycle on the ground, training on continuous mining machines, roof bolting and ground support under experienced miners, and qualify on specific equipment. Annual MSHA refresher training is mandatory, and some states also require a state miner certification.

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A miner extracts ore, coal and minerals underground and at the face. They operate continuous mining machines and cutting equipment, set roof bolts and ground support to keep the mine safe, advance ventilation and services, and work the extraction cycle. Safety is central — miners monitor for methane and ground hazards, follow MSHA procedures, and carry self-rescue gear — and experienced miners may run longwall systems or supervise a section.

Yes. Federal law requires MSHA new-miner training — Part 48 for underground mines or Part 46 for surface mines — plus site-specific hazard training before anyone works at a mine, and annual refresher training thereafter. Miners must also be qualified on the specific equipment they operate, and some states require an additional state miner certification. This training is mandatory and non-negotiable, reflecting the safety-critical nature of the work.

It is projected to grow only modestly. BLS projects the Continuous Mining Machine Operators code to grow about 0.6% over 2024–2034, slower than average, with roughly 1,600 openings a year. Coal, metal and industrial-mineral extraction sustains demand, and critical-mineral mining supports skilled operator roles, but mechanization and shifting energy markets keep growth slow, so most openings arise as experienced miners retire or move on.

For people who want strong pay without a degree and don't mind demanding, safety-critical work, yes: miner anchors to a code with a $61,810 median and up to $86,210 for section bosses, reachable through MSHA training and on-the-job qualification. The work is physically hard and hazardous, often on remote sites and rotating shifts, and growth is modest, but skilled miners earn well and can advance to longwall operator and section boss.