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Coal Mining Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mining Equipment Operator

Eureka, NV · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman - Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled mining operator position within Turner Mining Group. The successful candidate must live the Turner ...

Mining Equipment Operator

Eureka, NV · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman - Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled mining operator position within Turner Mining Group. The successful candidate must live the Turner ...

Mining Equipment Operator

Eureka, NV · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled mining operator position within Turner Mining Group. The successful candidate must live the Turner ...

Mining Equipment Operator

Pacific, MO · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

The Mining Equipment Operator is a skilled and experienced mining professional responsible for leading safe and efficient quarry operations, coordinating teams, and optimizing material extraction ...

Open Cut Operator

Wright, WY · On-site

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

... coal mine employees using simulation technologies, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR ... Experience operating heavy mining equipment. Strong communication, presentation, and coaching ...

Open Cut Operator

Wright, WY · On-site

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

... coal mining experience. • Knowledge of MSHA regulations and mining safety standards. • Experience operating heavy mining equipment. • Strong communication, presentation, and coaching skills ...

Equipment Operator

Imlay, NV

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

High School Diploma or equivalent, required * 1 years' experience operating mining equipment (surface), preferred. * Ability to operate a 2-way radio, required . * Ability to lift up to 50 pounds ...

Coal Miner

Marissa, IL · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

These are full-time coal mining positions with competitive salary and benefits available. Walk in ... Scoop operating * Bolting * Other laborer duties as required Job Requirements for Experienced and ...

Coal Miner

Coulterville, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

These are full-time coal mining positions with competitive salary and benefits available. Walk in ... Scoop operating * Bolting * Other laborer duties as required Job Requirements for Experienced and ...

... underground coal mining equipment. Communicate technical drawing revisions clearly with cross ... Provides support to end users, operators, and service personnel in cases of complex technical ...

Equipment Operator - Mining

Ludlow, VT · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman - Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled mining operator position within Turner Mining Group. The successful candidate must live the Turner ...

Equipment Operator - Mining

Ludlow, VT · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled mining operator position within Turner Mining Group. The successful candidate must live the Turner ...

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Coal Mining Equipment Operator information

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How much do coal mining equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for coal mining equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in coal mining?

In coal mining, the highest paying roles are often mine managers or senior supervisors, who oversee operations and ensure safety compliance. These positions typically require extensive experience, specialized certifications, and leadership skills, and they can earn significantly higher salaries than entry-level equipment operators.

What does a Coal Mining Equipment Operator do?

A Coal Mining Equipment Operator is responsible for operating machinery used in the extraction and transportation of coal from mines. Their duties include driving and controlling equipment such as continuous miners, longwall machines, loaders, and shuttle cars. They also ensure the machinery runs safely and efficiently, perform routine maintenance, and comply with safety regulations. Operators often work underground or in surface mines and must be attentive to changing conditions to prevent accidents.

What is the difference between Coal Mining Equipment Operator vs Mine Technician?

AspectCoal Mining Equipment OperatorMine Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, equipment operation certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree in mining technology
Work EnvironmentUnderground or surface mining sites operating heavy machineryMining sites, focusing on equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageMining companies, equipment rental firmsMining companies, equipment manufacturers, service providers

While both roles work within the mining industry, Coal Mining Equipment Operators primarily operate heavy machinery in mining environments, whereas Mine Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their skills and certifications.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

In the field of equipment operation, crane operators and heavy equipment operators working in specialized industries like oil and gas or construction tend to have the highest salaries. Experienced operators with certifications and skills in complex machinery can earn higher wages, often exceeding $70,000 annually, depending on location and industry demand.

What are some common challenges faced by Coal Mining Equipment Operators on the job?

Coal Mining Equipment Operators often face challenges such as working in confined spaces, managing heavy and complex machinery, and adhering to strict safety protocols to minimize risks. The role requires constant attention to detail and communication with team members to ensure smooth operations and prevent accidents. Additionally, operators must adapt to varying work conditions, such as shifts, underground environments, and potential exposure to dust and noise, making resilience and teamwork essential qualities.

What's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators are often those working in specialized industries such as oil and gas, construction, or mining, with operators of large machinery like cranes, bulldozers, or excavators earning higher wages. Experienced operators with certifications, advanced skills, and extensive hours can earn six-figure salaries, especially in remote or high-demand areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Coal Mining Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coal Mining Equipment Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or GED, often supplemented by on-the-job training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as continuous miners, shuttle cars, and loaders, as well as safety systems and protocols, is essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help operators work safely and efficiently in hazardous environments. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe operation, minimize accidents, and maintain productivity in demanding mining conditions.

How to be a mining machine operator?

To become a coal mining equipment operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training or apprenticeships are common. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the state or country, and familiarity with heavy machinery, safety protocols, and environmental regulations is essential. Physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging underground or surface environments are also important.
More about Coal Mining Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Coal Mining Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Coal Mining Equipment Operator job openings:
What states have the most Coal Mining Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Coal Mining Equipment Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Coal Mining Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Mining Equipment Operator

Turner Mining Group

Eureka, NV • On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Equipment Operator
Reports to: Foreman - Turner Mining Group
Job Description:
The Equipment Operator is a skilled mining operator position within Turner Mining Group. The successful candidate must live the Turner Values and be an outward example to others. This position must demonstrate a strong commitment to "Safe Production" through decision making, priorities, and client relations.
Objectives and Contributions:
The Equipment Operator is focused on key aspects that drive communication and safe production while maintaining a high level of efficiency, and preventative maintenance awareness requirements. The Operator demonstrates safety ownership at a personal level and holds other crew members to the same high standard. The Equipment Operator will train and develop into the Senior Equipment Operator job scope while the Senior Equipment operator is filling in for the Lead job duties.
  • Work with employees to ensure a high level of accuracy and engagement on hazard identification and control
  • Engage crews and leadership to define processes that motivate working towards common goals
  • Assist with MSHA regulatory task training and verify compliance to standards
  • Live the values as part of a visible daily decision-making process
  • Assist with training proficiency audits
  • Involvement in risk assessment processes at various levels of the organization
  • Holds themselves and others accountable for acting like an owner (taking care of equipment, not wasting resources, using time wisely, and being accountable for conditions and behaviors)
  • Maintains a high standard of housekeeping (machine and work areas)

Culture and Communication:
  • Can effectively communicate in English (multi-lingual preferred)
  • Participate in site and project leaders to identify areas of improvement
  • Work with crews to support proactive near miss reporting
  • Leads by example (walks the talk)

Systems:
  • Ability to perform quality pre-operation machine inspections (Based on mobile equipment physical demands analysis)
  • Accurately documents 5000-23 and training checklist requirements
  • Other regulatory & internal / external forms as required

Travel and New Site Development:
  • Maintains a valid and insurable driving license
  • Available to travel on short notice to support timelines and production requirements at existing sites

Time and Interactions:
  • The Equipment Operator must be flexible on shift schedules (days and nights) to assist with training and production needs
  • The Equipment Operator will be self-starting, motivated, with a strong desire to be part of a team and to influence improvement. Communication is also critical to keep leadership and site-based personnel in the loop of successes, challenges, and any additional support that may be required
  • Excellent time management skills

Qualifications:
  • Willingness and ability to adhere to OSHA / MSHA regulatory requirements
  • 1-3 years' experience in mining / heavy industry preferred
  • Working knowledge of safety systems and processes
  • Appropriate attention to detail required
  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong morals and values
  • Exemplary attendance record
  • Exemplary safety and disciplinary record
  • Willingness to be flexible on daily job duty requirements
  • Maintains a positive outspoken learning attitude
  • The Equipment Operator must pass and maintain Turner Mining Group mobile equipment skills qualifications on each
  • piece of the following equipment:
    • Support excavator
  • Dozer
  • Support loader
  • Grader
  • Water truck
  • Haulage truck

Other Duties:
In addition to the job skills above, there may be requirements for manual tasks to be completed to meet other business needs. Operators in any job duty classification may be required to participate in these additional tasks.
Physical Demands:
The physical requirements listed below are essential functions of this position and must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Weight Requirement: Ability to meet equipment manufacturer's safety requirements, including a body weight under 330 pounds.
  • Mobility & Posture: Ability to kneel, crouch, squat, climb stairs, and climb ladders repeatedly.
  • Reaching & Movement: Ability to reach forward and overhead, and to perform sustained or repetitive movements of the neck, hands, wrists, and ankles/feet.
  • Strength & Endurance: Ability to push and pull with a force of at least 55 pounds.
    • Ability to lift, carry, and set down objects weighing up to 85 pounds.
  • Ability to lift and carry objects overhead weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to lift and move items from floor level to waist, shoulder, and overhead levels.
  • Ability to carry weights over distances of at least 20 feet.
  • Repetition & Duration: Ability to perform the above motions multiple times in succession and sustain activity for extended periods.