Underground Mining Machine Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Underground Mining Machine Operators Make?
Underground Mining Machine Operators earn a median annual salary of $67,220 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $46,930 at the 10th percentile to $82,750 at the 90th percentile — a range of $35,820. The highest-paying state is Alaska at $87,270.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,930 |
| 25th percentile | $50,660 |
| Median (50th) | $67,220 |
| 75th percentile | $80,440 |
| 90th percentile | $82,750 |
Underground Mining Machine Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alaskatop | $87,270 |
| Minnesota | $80,440 |
| West Virginia | $78,180 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,070 |
| Utah | $65,570 |
| Missouri | $64,080 |
| Arizona | $62,490 |
| Alabama | $59,150 |
| Nevada | $58,310 |
| Kentucky | $55,410 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Underground Mining Machine Operators
Underground 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) | ~$46,930 – $50,660 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$67,220 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$80,440 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $82,750+ |
How to Earn More as an Underground Mining Machine Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Underground Mining Machine Operators in Minnesota earn $80,440 — $13,220 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($80,440) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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SOC: 47-5049.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.