Continuous Mining Machine Operators
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.
Also called: Bore Miner Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Concrete Crusher Loader Operator, Continuous Miner, Continuous Miner Operator (CMO), Continuous Mining Machine Coal Miner
Median pay
$61,810
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$46,770 – $86,210
People employed
14,000
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Long hours on your feet
Continuous Mining Machine Operators pay by state
Annual median pay by state (27 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What continuous mining machine operators do
- 01Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.
- 02Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.
- 03Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.
- 04Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
- 05Drive machines into position at working faces.
- 06Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from continuous mining machine operators
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators88% · −3%
- Pile Driver Operators83% · +19%
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators83% · +13%
- Crane and Tower Operators82% · +10%
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery81% · −2%
Change into continuous mining machine operators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Logging Equipment Operators90% · $49,740
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators88% · $59,850
- Dredge Operators85% · $49,640
- Crane and Tower Operators84% · $68,080
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators82% · $70,070
Majors that lead here
- Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.