Career comparison
Roof Bolter vs. Surface Mining Equipment Operator
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. $57,430), while roof bolters usually get to work faster (Months of on-the-job training of training). Roof bolters install bolts that hold up the roof in underground mines. Surface mining equipment operators run giant trucks, loaders and shovels at surface mines and quarries.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Roof Bolter | Surface Mining Equipment Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $78,540 ($37.76/hr) | $57,430 ($27.61/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $63,750 – $92,830 | $41,600 – $82,400 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -18.9% (a projected decline) | +1.0% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 100 | 2,400 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Months of on-the-job training | Months of on-the-job training |
| Key credential | MSHA Part 48 | MSHA Part 46 or 48 |
| Work setting | Roof bolters work underground in mines.. | Operators work outdoors at mines and quarries.. |
What each job does
Roof Bolter
- Drill roof holes
- Install bolts
- Install mesh
- Test roof conditions
- Follow ground control plans
Surface Mining Equipment Operator
- Operate haul trucks
- Run shovels and loaders
- Follow dig plans
- Inspect equipment
- Communicate by radio
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, shift work, teamwork, and high-pay. Both are part of the energy & utilities field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose roof bolter if…
- I can work underground
- I take safety seriously
- I like machines
Choose surface mining equipment operator if…
- I love big machines
- I can work 12-hour shifts
- I stay focused
Still torn? Take the Roof Bolter fit quiz and the Surface Mining Equipment Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, roof bolter or surface mining equipment operator?
Roof Bolters earn more at the median: $78,540 versus $57,430 for surface mining equipment operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Roof Bolters typically train faster (Months of on-the-job training) than surface mining equipment operators (Months of on-the-job training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects surface mining equipment operators to grow +1.0% from 2025–35, compared with -18.9% for roof bolters.