Helpers--Extraction Workers
Help extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers, blasters and explosives workers, derrick operators, and mining machine operators, by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying equipment or cleaning work area.
Also called: Blaster Helper, Blasting Helper, Boring Machine Operator Helper, Bottom Hole Pressure Recording Operator Helper, Churn Driller Helper, Clean Out Driller Helper
Median pay
$47,730
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$36,960 – $68,020
People employed
6,700
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.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 3.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 4.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 5.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 6.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 7.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Helpers--Extraction Workers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (26 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What helpers--extraction workers do
- 01Provide assistance to extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers and derrick operators.
- 02Observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems.
- 03Drive moving equipment to transport materials and parts to excavation sites.
- 04Unload materials, devices, and machine parts, using hand tools.
- 05Set up and adjust equipment used to excavate geological materials.
- 06Organize materials to prepare for use.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Transportation
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
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: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
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 helpers--extraction workers
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators83% · +25%
- Helpers--Carpenters83% · −8%
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers83% · −17%
- Hoist and Winch Operators82% · +18%
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators80% · +47%
Change into helpers--extraction workers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Dredge Operators89% · $49,640
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers87% · $39,630
- Recycling and Reclamation Workers84% · $40,240
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners84% · $49,880
- Logging Equipment Operators83% · $49,740