Roof Bolters
O*NET title: Roof Bolters, Mining
Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.
Also called: Bolt Machine Operator, Bolt Man, Bolter, Bolting Inspector, Bolting Machine Operator, Miner
Median pay
$78,540
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$63,750 – $92,830
People employed
2,160
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 OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 6.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 7.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 8.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Roof Bolters pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (7 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What roof bolters do
- 01Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.
- 02Pull down loose rock that cannot be supported.
- 03Position bolting machines, and insert drill bits into chucks.
- 04Perform safety checks on equipment before operating.
- 05Perform tests to determine if methane gas is present.
- 06Force bolts into holes, using hydraulic mechanisms of self-propelled bolting machines.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Law and Government
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 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- 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 roof bolters
- Riggers82% · −20%
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators82% · −11%
- Pile Driver Operators81% · −7%
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers81% · −17%
- Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators77% · −2%
Change into roof bolters
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders80% · $54,430
- Logging Equipment Operators79% · $49,740
- Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons79% · $61,290
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic79% · $50,140
- Hoist and Winch Operators78% · $56,450