The job market for mining machine operators in the United States

There are currently an estimated 12,300 mining machine operators in the United States. The mining machine operator job market is expected to shrink by -3.3% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are mining machine operators?

CareerExplorer rates mining machine operators with a F employability rating, meaning this career should provide poor employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 8,300 mining machine operators. That number is based on the retirement of 8,700 existing mining machine operators.

Are mining machine operators in demand?

Employment of mining machine operators is in decline. This is due mainly to the decrease in coal mining which has typically employed a large number of these workers. Further negative pressure on the occupation is resulting from advancing technology and the use of robots and lasers in the industry. These factors are lessening the demand for machine operators and prompting many in the field to consider transferring to related roles as geological/petroleum technicians, manufacturing supervisors, and industrial engineering technicians. The transition to such positions, however, requires further education and training.

What’s the supply of mining machine operators?

The mining machine operator industry is concentrated in Nevada, Kentucky, Ohio

Mining Machine Operator job market by state