Continuous Mining Machine Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Continuous Mining Machine Operators Make?
Continuous Mining Machine Operators earn a median annual salary of $63,380 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $41,450 at the 10th percentile to $84,420 at the 90th percentile — a range of $42,970. The highest-paying state is Wisconsin at $93,200.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,450 |
| 25th percentile | $50,850 |
| Median (50th) | $63,380 |
| 75th percentile | $76,850 |
| 90th percentile | $84,420 |
Continuous Mining Machine Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Wisconsintop | $93,200 |
| Wyoming | $92,620 |
| Nevada | $84,420 |
| Colorado | $80,140 |
| West Virginia | $75,700 |
| Illinois | $74,030 |
| California | $73,220 |
| Virginia | $68,670 |
| Minnesota | $68,400 |
| Utah | $67,870 |
| Indiana | $67,830 |
| Idaho | $67,280 |
| Georgia | $60,050 |
| Alabama | $60,030 |
| North Carolina | $59,170 |
| Arizona | $58,790 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,770 |
| Ohio | $56,580 |
| Kentucky | $56,100 |
| Michigan | $55,600 |
| Nebraska | $54,790 |
| Tennessee | $51,540 |
| New York | $49,370 |
| Florida | $47,750 |
| New Mexico | $46,500 |
| Missouri | $44,890 |
| Oklahoma | $44,880 |
| Arkansas | $43,640 |
| Mississippi | $41,510 |
| Louisiana | $36,470 |
| Texas | $36,260 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Continuous Mining Machine Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$41,450 – $50,850 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$63,380 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$76,850 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $84,420+ |
How to Earn More as a Continuous Mining Machine Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Continuous Mining Machine Operators in Wyoming earn $92,620 — $29,240 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($76,850) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Continuous Mining Machine Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Continuous Mining Machine Operatorthis career | $63,380 |
| Agricultural Equipment Operator | $42,580 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator | $51,650 |
| Pile Driver Operator | $70,510 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
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SOC: 47-5041.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.