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Also known as: Buggy Driver, Buggy Man, Buggy Operator, Buggy Runner
You arrive at the mine head in rural Pennsylvania, the morning still dark. The air is cool and damp. First, you head to the changing room, pulling on your heavy work pants, steel-toed boots, and hard hat. You grab your cap lamp, battery belt, and a self-rescuer device, performing a quick visual check. The smell of diesel and damp earth is already present. A quick glance at the shift board confirms your assignment for the day: operating a shuttle car in Panel 3.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
-15.8%
US average: +3.5%
400
per year (US)
5,900
in 2025 → 5,000 (2035)
No formal educational credential
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
The outlook for this career is declining, with employment expected to decrease by about 15.8% through 2035. However, there are still around 400 job openings each year, and the median annual wage is $74,500. You might start as a mine laborer and could advance to roles like a mine foreman or supervisor.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$74,500
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Mining Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Mining and Mineral Engineering
Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years
Mobil Crane Operator/Operation
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Electrician
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years
Installation Technology
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years