Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining Salary in 2026

    SOC: 47-5044.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $68,860
    per year
    Salary Range
    $48K – $83K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    6,130
    employed
    Job Growth
    -22.3%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Minings Make?

    Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Minings earn a median annual salary of $68,860 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $48,310 at the 10th percentile to $82,900 at the 90th percentile — a range of $34,590. The highest-paying state is Wyoming at $104,010.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$48,310
    25th percentile$59,130
    Median (50th)$68,860
    75th percentile$76,820
    90th percentile$82,900
    10th: $48,310Median: $68,86090th: $82,900
    Section 02

    Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Wyomingtop$104,010
    Alaska$89,830
    Nevada$80,840
    Virginia$77,440
    Illinois$75,820
    Colorado$74,420
    West Virginia$73,260
    Pennsylvania$68,780
    Kentucky$67,510
    Ohio$65,920
    Alabama$58,730
    New York$56,960
    Indiana$52,150
    Georgia$51,690
    Missouri$50,860
    Florida$47,030
    Iowa$45,420
    Oklahoma$43,490
    Louisiana$38,460
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Minings

    Alaska nonmetropolitan area
    Highest paying
    $89,830
    top metro salary
    Alaska
    $89,830
    $0 vs highest
    Nevada
    $80,840
    $-8,990 vs highest
    Balance of Nevada nonmetropolitan area
    $80,840
    $-8,990 vs highest
    Wheeling, WV-OH
    $77,450
    $-12,380 vs highest
    Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
    $77,440
    $-12,390 vs highest
    Virginia
    $77,440
    $-12,390 vs highest
    South Illinois nonmetropolitan area
    $75,820
    $-14,010 vs highest
    Section 04

    Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining 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 levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$48,310 – $59,130
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$68,860
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$76,820
    Senior (15+ yrs)$82,900+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Minings in Alaska nonmetropolitan area earn $89,830 — $20,970 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 ($76,820) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining Salary vs Similar Careers

    CareerMedian salary
    Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Miningthis career$68,860
    Logging Equipment Operator$49,210
    Pile Driver Operator$70,510
    Construction Equipment Operator$58,710
    Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operator$67,370

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    PathScorer compares your skills to Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.

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    Free to try No sign-up Based on O*NET data
    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    SOC: 47-5044.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.