Loading and Moving Machine Operators
O*NET title: Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Also called: Loading Machine Operators, Mining
Operate underground loading or moving machine to load or move coal, ore, or rock using shuttle or mine car or conveyors. Equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.
Also called: Buggy Driver, Buggy Man, Buggy Operator, Buggy Runner, Car Dropper, Car Dumper
Median pay
$74,500
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$52,030 – $87,730
People employed
5,930
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.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 5.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 6.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Loading and Moving Machine Operators pay by state
Annual median pay by state (20 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Loading and Moving Machine Operators salary in every state →
What loading and moving machine operators do
- 01Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables.
- 02Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.
- 03Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.
- 04Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.
- 05Stop gathering arms when cars are full.
- 06Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Production and Processing
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- 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: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
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 loading and moving machine operators
- Pile Driver Operators84% · −2%
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators80% · −6%
- Crane and Tower Operators79% · −9%
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators78% · −20%
- Rail Car Repairers77% · −9%
Change into loading and moving machine operators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Logging Equipment Operators89% · $49,740
- Pile Driver Operators84% · $73,300
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers83% · $58,640
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators83% · $46,420
- Crane and Tower Operators81% · $68,080