Career comparison
Crushing Machine Operator vs. Mining Machine Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Mining machine operators earn more at the median ($61,810 vs. $48,540), while crushing machine operators usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). Crushing machine operators run crushers and mills that break down rock, minerals and materials. Mining machine operators operate the machines that cut and move coal, ore and rock underground.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Crushing Machine Operator | Mining Machine Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $48,540 ($23.34/hr) | $61,810 ($29.72/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $36,520 – $69,240 | $46,770 – $86,210 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -1.7% (a projected decline) | +3.2% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 2,300 | 1,400 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | A few months on the job | 1–12 months |
| Key credential | MSHA training | MSHA new miner training |
| Work setting | Operators work at quarries, mines and processing plants, often outdoors.. | Operators work underground in dark, dusty, noisy mines with limited space.. |
What each job does
Crushing Machine Operator
- Run crushers and mills
- Control feed rates
- Monitor screens
- Check product size
- Clear jams
Mining Machine Operator
- Operate continuous mining machines
- Cut coal, ore or rock at the face
- Load material onto conveyors or cars
- Follow roof control and ventilation plans
- Inspect and maintain equipment
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, shift work, and teamwork. They sit in different fields, mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing and energy & utilities, but share transferable skills such as safety focus and teamwork.
Which should you choose?
Choose crushing machine operator if…
- I like heavy machinery
- I don’t mind dust
- I work outdoors
Choose mining machine operator if…
- I want good pay without a degree
- I can handle tough conditions
- I like running machines
Still torn? Take the Crushing Machine Operator fit quiz and the Mining Machine Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, crushing machine operator or mining machine operator?
Mining Machine Operators earn more at the median: $61,810 versus $48,540 for crushing machine operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Crushing Machine Operators typically train faster (A few months on the job) than mining machine operators (1–12 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects mining machine operators to grow +3.2% from 2025–35, compared with -1.7% for crushing machine operators.