What is a Continuous Mining Machine Operator?
Continuous Mining Machine Operator Example 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 or into shuttle cars in a continuous operation.
List of Continuous Mining Machine Operator Job Duties
- Drive machines into position at working faces.
- Move controls to start and regulate movement of conveyors and to start and position drill cutters or torches.
- Check the stability of roof and rib support systems before mining face areas.
- Determine locations, boundaries, and depths of holes or channels to be cut.
- Operate mining machines to gather coal and convey it to floors or shuttle cars.
- Conduct methane gas checks to ensure breathing quality of air.
Featured schools near , edit
Continuous Mining Machine Operator Needed Skills
Continuous Mining Machine Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Other Continuous Mining Machine Operator Job Titles
- Forklift Operator
- Equipment Operator
- Mine Technician
- Loader Operator
- Continuous Miner
Continuous Mining Machine Operator Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 12,300 jobs for Continuous Mining Machine Operator in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Continuous Mining Machine Operator. The BLS estimates 1,400 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Continuous Mining Machine Operator are Texas, Missouri, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Georgia, Kentucky, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Continuous Mining Machine Operators Make A Lot Of Money?
Continuous Mining Machine Operators make between $36,310 and $74,800 a year.

Continuous Mining Machine Operators who work in Wyoming, Alaska, or Montana, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Continuous Mining Machine Operators in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alaska | $69,080 |
Arizona | $47,920 |
Arkansas | $39,670 |
California | $47,490 |
Colorado | $60,910 |
Florida | $49,980 |
Georgia | $45,830 |
Idaho | $60,040 |
Illinois | $59,040 |
Indiana | $54,610 |
Iowa | $41,030 |
Kentucky | $50,180 |
Maryland | $37,870 |
Michigan | $42,850 |
Missouri | $44,670 |
Montana | $70,310 |
Nevada | $62,290 |
New Mexico | $61,400 |
New York | $45,740 |
North Carolina | $47,330 |
Oklahoma | $34,720 |
Pennsylvania | $45,500 |
South Carolina | $50,090 |
South Dakota | $41,110 |
Texas | $36,900 |
Virginia | $47,030 |
Washington | $46,810 |
West Virginia | $54,660 |
Wisconsin | $45,450 |
Wyoming | $78,210 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Continuous Mining Machine Operators:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Word processing software
- Minitab
Becoming a Continuous Mining Machine Operator
Individuals working as a Continuous Mining Machine Operator have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Continuous Mining Machine Operator?

Where Continuous Mining Machine Operators Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Continuous Mining Machine Operators work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Continuous Mining Machine Operator might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |