Career comparison
Mining Machine Operator vs. Underground Mining Loader Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Underground mining loader operators earn more at the median ($74,500 vs. $61,810), while underground mining loader operators usually get to work faster (Weeks to months of training of training). Mining machine operators operate the machines that cut and move coal, ore and rock underground. Underground mining loader operators run loaders and shuttle cars that move ore and coal underground.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Mining Machine Operator | Underground Mining Loader Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $61,810 ($29.72/hr) | $74,500 ($35.82/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $46,770 – $86,210 | $52,030 – $87,730 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.2% (about as fast as average) | -15.8% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 1,400 | 400 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | 1–12 months | Weeks to months of training |
| Key credential | MSHA new miner training | MSHA Part 48 |
| Work setting | Operators work underground in dark, dusty, noisy mines with limited space.. | Operators 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
Underground Mining Loader Operator
- Operate loaders
- Load ore or coal
- Run shuttle cars
- Clean up spills
- Inspect equipment
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 underground mining loader operator if…
- I can work underground
- I like machines
- I stay focused
Still torn? Take the Mining Machine Operator fit quiz and the Underground Mining Loader Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, mining machine operator or underground mining loader operator?
Underground Mining Loader Operators earn more at the median: $74,500 versus $61,810 for mining machine operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Underground Mining Loader Operators typically train faster (Weeks to months of training) 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 -15.8% for underground mining loader operators.