Career comparison
Mining Machine Operator vs. Roof Bolter
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Roof bolters earn more at the median ($78,540 vs. $61,810), while mining machine operators usually get to work faster (1–12 months of training). Mining machine operators operate the machines that cut and move coal, ore and rock underground. Roof bolters install bolts that hold up the roof in underground mines.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Mining Machine Operator | Roof Bolter | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $61,810 ($29.72/hr) | $78,540 ($37.76/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $46,770 – $86,210 | $63,750 – $92,830 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.2% (about as fast as average) | -18.9% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 1,400 | 100 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 1–12 months | Months of on-the-job training |
| Key credential | MSHA new miner training | MSHA Part 48 |
| Work setting | Operators work underground in dark, dusty, noisy mines with limited space.. | Roof bolters work underground in mines.. |
What each job does
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
Roof Bolter
- Drill roof holes
- Install bolts
- Install mesh
- Test roof conditions
- Follow ground control plans
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, teamwork, and shift work. Both are part of the energy & utilities field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose mining machine operator if…
- I want good pay without a degree
- I can handle tough conditions
- I like running machines
Choose roof bolter if…
- I can work underground
- I take safety seriously
- I like machines
Still torn? Take the Mining Machine Operator fit quiz and the Roof Bolter fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, mining machine operator or roof bolter?
Roof Bolters earn more at the median: $78,540 versus $61,810 for mining machine operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Mining Machine Operators typically train faster (1–12 months) than roof bolters (Months of on-the-job training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects mining machine operators to grow +3.2% from 2025–35, compared with -18.9% for roof bolters.