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Mining Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Maintains a high standard of housekeeping (machine and work areas) Culture and Communication: * Can ...

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 ... Maintains a high standard of housekeeping (machine and work areas) Culture and Communication: * Can ...

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 ... Maintains a high standard of housekeeping (machine and work areas) Culture and Communication: * Can ...

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 ... Maintains a high standard of housekeeping (machine and work areas) Culture and Communication: * Can ...

Equipment Operator - Mining

Ludlow, VT

$20 - $27.25/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman - Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled ... Maintains a high standard of housekeeping (machine and work areas) Culture and Communication: * Can ...

Mining Equipment Operator

Eureka, NV

$18 - $24.75/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman - Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled ... Maintains a high standard of housekeeping (machine and work areas) Culture and Communication: * Can ...

Be Seen First

... mining, excavating, demolition and more. Please visit www.piercepacific.com for more information.

Machine Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

... mining, and steel. With over 60 patents and 21,000 systems installed across 37 countries, Komline-Filtra Systems offers a wide range of products ranging from water purification, coolant/oil ...

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Mining Machine Operator information

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$12

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How much do mining machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for mining machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mining Machine Operator vs Drilling Machine Operator?

AspectMining Machine OperatorDrilling Machine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in heavy equipment operationHigh school diploma, certifications in drilling equipment
Work EnvironmentUnderground or surface mining sitesConstruction sites, mineral exploration, or oil and gas drilling
Industry UsageMining industryConstruction, oil & gas, mineral exploration

Mining Machine Operators and Drilling Machine Operators both operate heavy equipment, often requiring similar certifications and working in related environments. However, Mining Machine Operators focus on operating machinery used specifically in mining operations, while Drilling Machine Operators handle equipment for drilling holes in various industries. Both roles are essential in resource extraction and often overlap in skills and certifications.

Which mining job pays the most?

In mining, roles such as underground mine supervisors, heavy equipment operators, and specialized technicians tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, and may involve working in remote or challenging environments. Typically, supervisory and technical roles offer the highest compensation within the mining industry.

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

To thrive as a Mining Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers requiring specialized training or certifications. Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, safety monitoring systems, and mining-specific machinery such as continuous miners or drills is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help operators work safely and efficiently in hazardous environments. These skills ensure the safe and productive extraction of materials, compliance with regulations, and prevention of workplace accidents.

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

Mining Machine Operators often face challenges such as working in confined or hazardous environments, managing equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. The role typically requires attention to detail, as operators must monitor machinery for signs of wear or potential failure and react quickly to prevent accidents. Collaboration with maintenance teams and other operators is essential to ensure smooth operations and minimize downtime. Additionally, adapting to shift work and varying weather conditions can be demanding, but strong safety cultures and ongoing training help address these challenges.

Do miners make good money?

Mining machine operators typically earn competitive wages that vary by location, experience, and the type of mining operation. According to industry data, the median annual salary for this role is around $50,000 to $70,000, with some positions offering higher pay for skilled operators or those working in remote or hazardous environments. Certifications and experience can also influence earning potential.

What are mining machine operators?

Mining machine operators are skilled workers who operate heavy machinery used to extract minerals, coal, metal, stone, or other materials from the earth. They control specialized equipment such as continuous miners, longwall machines, excavators, or drilling machines, depending on the type of mine and material. Their job involves monitoring machine performance, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and performing basic maintenance or troubleshooting. Mining machine operators may work in surface or underground mines and must be trained in safety procedures due to the hazardous nature of the work.

What machine operator pays the most?

Among machine operators, those working as heavy equipment or mining machine operators tend to earn the highest wages due to the demanding environment and specialized skills required. Mining machine operators often receive higher pay because of the hazardous conditions and technical expertise needed, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certifications such as OSHA or MSHA training.

How to get into mining equipment operator?

To become a mining machine operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and familiarity with heavy machinery and safety protocols is essential.
More about Mining Machine Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Mining Machine Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mining Machine Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Mining Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 61% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
CNC Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

CNC Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Liebherr

Newport News, VA • On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operates CNC machine center for scheduled production.

  • Controls the wear and tear of tools during machining process.

  • Adjusts programs in cooperation with the programmer.


Liebherr rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 419 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The CNC Machine Operator operates the CNC machine center and other machining centers; maintains all machine tools and fixtures to ensure machining capabilities are not compromised.
Responsibilities
  • Operates CNC machine center for scheduled production.
  • Controls the wear and tear of tools during machining process.
  • Cooperates with QA for development of better manufacturing processes.
  • Adjusts programs in cooperation with the programmer.
  • Performs pre-start checks and ensures program is ready for start-up.
  • Reads and interprets engineering drawings.
  • Meets quality standards with little supervision and minimum required rework.
  • Reads various measuring tools including micrometers, calipers and gages.

Competencies
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or 2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Our Offer
Have we awoken your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your online application. If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Alden.
Liebherr-America, Inc. and its US affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employers. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
If you are a California resident, please visit Liebherr USA, Co. Privacy Statement for more information regarding how Liebherr-America, Inc. and its US affiliates collect and process your personal information.
One Passion. Many Opportunities.
The company
In line with its international growth, Liebherr's venture into the United States began in 1970. Within a couple of years, the company expanded and completed its production facilities in Newport News, Virginia, for its product line of hydraulic excavators. It was later converted into Liebherr's manufacturing facility for mining trucks and remains home to Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News, Co. In addition to its production facility, Liebherr markets a wide variety of products and technologies its companies located across the United States. The companies are Liebherr-Aerospace Saline, Inc., Liebherr Gear Technology, Inc., Liebherr Automation Systems, Co., and Liebherr USA, Co., the umbrella company for eight divisions that are positioned across the United States.
Location
Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co.
4100 Chestnut Avenue
23607 Newport News, VA
United States (US)
Contact
Nicole Alden
.lus-recruiting@liebherr.com

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