About This Career Path
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.
Construction & Architecture
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.
Construction & Architecture Industry
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Average
$50,540
ANNUAL
$24.30
HOURLY
Entry Level
$36,750
ANNUAL
$17.67
HOURLY
Mid Level
$46,640
ANNUAL
$22.42
HOURLY
Expert Level
$59,840
ANNUAL
$28.77
HOURLY
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
1,660
Projected job openings through 2030
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Supporting Certifications
Degree Recommendations
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
01
Hang ventilation tubing and ventilation curtains to ensure that the mining face area is kept properly ventilated.
02
Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.
03
Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.
04
Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
05
Drive machines into position at working faces.
06
Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.
07
Reposition machines to make additional holes or cuts.
08
Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.
09
Observe and listen to equipment operation to detect binding or stoppage of tools or other equipment malfunctions.
10
Install casings to prevent cave-ins.
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Mechanical
KNOWLEDGE
Production and Processing
KNOWLEDGE
Law and Government
KNOWLEDGE
Education and Training
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
SKILL
Operation and Control
SKILL
Operations Monitoring
SKILL
Equipment Maintenance
SKILL
Critical Thinking
SKILL
Troubleshooting
ABILITY
Control Precision
ABILITY
Arm-Hand Steadiness
ABILITY
Multilimb Coordination
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Reaction Time
Construction & Architecture
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