What is the salary of a Loading and Moving Machine Operator, Underground Mining?

The typical salary range is $48,202 - $96,404 per year.

ConstructionDeclining

Loading and Moving Machine Operator, Underground Mining

Operational-level

Also known as: Buggy Driver, Buggy Man, Buggy Operator, Buggy Runner

ConstructionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Operate underground loading or moving machine to load or move coal, ore, or rock using shuttle or mine car or conveyors. Equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.

Underground MiningHeavy Equipment OperationMining OperationsMineral ExtractionConstructionMining EngineeringIndustrial TechnologyBuildingSkilled Trade

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Windows

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-15.8%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

400

per year (US)

Jobs today

5,900

in 2025 → 5,000 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Low

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

Moderate

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

Low

Dealing with customers

Low

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

This field is experiencing contraction with decreasing job opportunities. Consider developing skills in related growing fields.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Manœuvre minier
Aide-opérateur d'équipement lourd
Ouvrier général (mines)

Loading and Moving Machine Operator, Underground Mining

Where it can lead

Contremaître de mine
Superviseur minier
Opérateur d'équipement principal

Impact of AI on this Job

Within 5-10 years, AI will likely shift the role of underground mining machine operators towards supervision and maintenance of autonomous or semi-autonomous fleets. Operators may increasingly manage multiple loading and moving machines remotely from surface control rooms, rather than directly operating individual vehicles underground. This transition will enhance safety by removing personnel from hazardous environments, while optimizing efficiency through AI-driven navigation and task execution.

Salary

$74,500

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position