Underground Miner

Your Fit

Income

$69K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-17.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Underground Miner?

An Underground Miner is a professional responsible for extracting minerals, metals, and other resources from beneath the earth's surface. They operate specialized equipment and adhere to safety protocols in underground mines.

Sample job titles:

Load Haul Dump Operator (LHD Operator), Loader Operator, Loading Machine Operator, Shuttle Car Operator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Underground Miner.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Underground Miner earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$59K per year	$69K per year	$77K per year	$83K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $19K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Underground Miner do?

Work environment

Underground Miners work in subterranean environments which can be cramped, dark, and humid. Safety is a top priority due to risks such as cave-ins and gas explosions. Their work often involves physically demanding tasks and long hours, sometimes in remote locations.

Quick task list

Operates mining equipment to extract coal, ore, or other materials.
Ensures compliance with safety regulations and procedures.
Installs and maintains mine support systems like roofs and ventilation shafts.
Monitors conditions for safety hazards and reports issues.
Collaborates with other miners and supervisors to coordinate mining operations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Longwall Mining: Involves using a large machine to extract large sections of coal along the coal face.
Blast Mining: Specializes in using explosives to break up rock formations.
Shaft Mining: Focused on digging vertical shafts to access mineral deposits.
Drift Mining: Involves creating horizontal passages into a mountain face to reach the mineral deposit.
Support Technician: Specializing in installing and maintaining mine support systems.

Description

Underground Mining is a challenging yet rewarding profession, crucial for extracting valuable resources essential for various industries. Miners work in teams to drill, blast, and transport materials, often using advanced machinery. Safety is paramount in this profession due to the inherent risks associated with working underground, including dealing with potentially hazardous conditions and ensuring structural stability.

The role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work in confined spaces. Miners need to be adept at using complex machinery and must understand the geological aspects of the mining areas. Communication and teamwork are crucial, as miners often work in groups and rely on each other for safety and efficiency.

This career is not just about manual labor; it also involves understanding technical blueprints, operating technologically advanced equipment, and adhering to environmental and safety regulations. Continuous learning is necessary to keep up with new mining methods and safety techniques.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to important industrial processes by extracting essential materials.
Working closely with a team in a challenging environment.
The physical and technical nature of the work, offering a unique set of challenges and learning opportunities.

You might make a good Underground Miner if you are...

Physically fit and able to handle demanding labor in confined spaces.
Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on safety and adherence to protocols.
Comfortable working in a team and capable of clear communication.
Interested in operating complex machinery and learning new technical skills.
Adaptable and able to work in a variety of challenging environments.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in a unique and challenging environment
High demand for skilled miners in various regions.
Potential for high earnings and overtime pay.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially hazardous work conditions.
Risk of health issues due to prolonged exposure to dust and other particulates.
Irregular work hours and potential for extended periods away from home.

How to become an Underground Miner

Typical education

The average schooling required for an Underground Miner is typically a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training. Additional certifications in mining safety and equipment operation may also be required.

High school preparation

Courses:

Earth Sciences to understand geological formations.
Industrial Arts or Shop Classes to gain basic machinery and tool skills.
Physical Education to maintain physical fitness and stamina.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining outdoor clubs or sports teams to build physical endurance.
Participating in technical clubs, like robotics or engineering, to develop mechanical skills.
Volunteering in community projects involving physical labor to gain experience.

Preparation after high school

Consider vocational training programs in mining technology or heavy machinery operation.
Seek apprenticeships or entry-level positions in mining to gain practical experience.
Obtain certifications in mine safety and first aid.

More resources

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) - Offers training and safety guidelines.
National Mining Association (NMA) - Provides industry news and career resources.
International Society of Mine Safety Professionals (ISMSP) - Offers certification and training programs.
Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) - A professional society providing resources and networking opportunities in mining and exploration.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.