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Underground Coal Mine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our office administers the IOSHA program, state wage and hours, youth employment laws, and underground coal mine safety. We also have many free training and educational resources available to the ...

Our office administers the IOSHA program, state wage and hours, youth employment laws, and underground coal mine safety. We also have many free training and educational resources available to the ...

Required Qualifications Mine Examiner certification Thorough knowledge of MSHA laws and regulations applicable to underground coal mining. Thorough knowledge of Illinois State Mining Laws. Ability to ...

Required Qualifications · Mine Examiner certification · Thorough knowledge of MSHA laws and regulations applicable to underground coal mining. · Thorough knowledge of Illinois State Mining Laws ...

As an Inby team member, you will be responsible for performing various tasks in the underground coal mine, such as setting roof supports, installing ventilation devices, loading and unloading ...

Required Qualifications • Mine Examiner certification • Thorough knowledge of MSHA laws and regulations applicable to underground coal mining. • Thorough knowledge of Illinois State Mining Laws ...

BC Inby

Berry, AL · On-site

As an Inby team member, you will be responsible for performing various tasks in the underground coal mine, such as setting roof supports, installing ventilation devices, loading and unloading ...

Friday, February 20, 2026 Position Summary Provide direction and supervision to hourly employees responsible for underground coal mine maintenance in immediate area of responsibility, including but ...

Gateway North mine is an underground coal mine located in Coulterville, Illinois, just an hour outside St. Louis, Missouri. The mine produces high quality thermal coal that is loaded onto haul trucks ...

Gateway North mine is an underground coal mine located in Coulterville, Illinois, just an hour outside St. Louis, Missouri. The mine produces high quality thermal coal that is loaded onto haul trucks ...

Utility Person

Madisonville, KY · On-site

$32.05/hr

Must have 1 year of experience working in a underground coal mine, 6 months must be face experience. Reports to: Shift Foreman The essential functions of this position were determined to be: 1. Fill ...

Gateway North mine is an underground coal mine located in Coulterville, Illinois, just an hour outside St. Louis, Missouri. The mine produces high quality thermal coal that is loaded onto haul trucks ...

Gateway North mine is an underground coal mine located in Coulterville, Illinois, just an hour outside St. Louis, Missouri. The mine produces high quality thermal coal that is loaded onto haul trucks ...

Utility Person

Madisonville, KY · On-site

$32.05/hr

Must have 1 year of experience working in a underground coal mine, 6 months must be face experience. Reports to: Shift Foreman The essential functions of this position were determined to be: 1. Fill ...

Utility Person

Madisonville, KY · On-site

$32.05/hr

Must have 1 year of experience working in a underground coal mine, 6 months must be face experience. Reports to: Shift Foreman The essential functions of this position were determined to be: 1. Fill ...

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Underground Coal Mine information

See salary details

$34.5K

$67K

$97.5K

How much do underground coal mine jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for underground coal mine in the United States is $67,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underground coal miner?

An underground coal miner is a worker who extracts coal from beneath the earth’s surface using specialized equipment and techniques. These miners operate machinery, maintain safety standards, and work in teams to remove coal from seams deep underground. The job involves physical labor, adherence to strict safety protocols, and often working in challenging, confined environments. Underground coal miners play a critical role in supplying coal for energy, manufacturing, and other industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground coal miner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Coal Miner, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by specialized mine safety training. Familiarity with mining equipment, ventilation systems, and adherence to Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safety, productivity, and compliance in the challenging and hazardous environment of underground coal mining.

What are some typical challenges faced when working in an underground coal mine, and how are they addressed?

Working in an underground coal mine presents unique challenges, such as navigating confined spaces, maintaining safety in low-light conditions, and managing exposure to dust and gases. These challenges are addressed through rigorous safety protocols, regular equipment maintenance, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as miners often rely on one another to monitor hazards and respond quickly to emergencies. Continuous training and adherence to safety regulations help ensure a safer work environment for everyone underground.

What is the difference between Underground Coal Mine vs Surface Coal Miner?

AspectUnderground Coal MineSurface Coal Miner
Work EnvironmentUnderground tunnels, confined spacesOpen-pit or strip mining sites
Required CertificationsMine safety training, possibly underground mining certificationsSurface mining safety training, general mining certifications
Job DutiesExtracting coal from underground seams, operating specialized equipmentRemoving overburden, operating large machinery on surface
Industry UsageCommon in underground coal mining operationsCommon in open-pit coal mining

Underground Coal Miners work in confined underground tunnels, focusing on extracting coal from beneath the surface, often requiring specialized safety certifications. Surface Coal Miners operate equipment on open-pit sites, removing overburden and extracting coal from surface deposits. Both roles are essential in coal mining but differ mainly in environment and specific skills required.

How many hours do underground coal miners work?

Underground coal miners typically work shifts of 8 to 12 hours, often including night shifts and overtime. The standard workweek is usually around 40 hours, but miners may work longer hours depending on project needs and safety protocols.

How much do underground coal miners get paid?

Underground coal miners typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and shift differentials. Many also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and the job often requires safety training and adherence to strict regulations.
More about Underground Coal Mine jobs

What cities are hiring for Underground Coal Mine jobs?

Cities with the most Underground Coal Mine job openings:

What states have the most Underground Coal Mine jobs?

States with the most job openings for Underground Coal Mine jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Underground Coal Mine jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Underground Coal Mine jobs are:

Infographic showing various Underground Coal Mine job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,007 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Chief Mine Inspector

State of Indiana

Vincennes, IN • On-site

$59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 hours ago


State Of Indiana rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL):

The mission of the Indiana Department of Labor is to advance the safety, health, and prosperity of Hoosiers in the workplace. To make significant strides in achieving our mission, we emphasize both enforcement and voluntary compliance for employers. Our office administers the IOSHA program, state wage and hours, youth employment laws, and underground coal mine safety. We also have many free training and educational resources available to the public through our INSafe Division. Finally, our Quality, Metrics & Statistics Division counts, measures, and tracks trends internally and externally. Our goal is to help make Indiana a great place to work and do business. Let us know how we can help you.

Role Overview

As the Chief Mine Inspector, you will be responsible for being involved in onsite mine inspections for all underground coal mines in Indiana, assisting the Deputy Commissioner with mine rescue and maintenance of mining equipment housed at the Bureau of Mines. In this position, you will train and keep updated on any changes in mining laws and safety regulations that will benefit the miners of this state. 


Salary Statement

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

  • You will conduct and thoroughly document inspections of all underground coal mines in Indiana in accordance and cooperation with federal MSHA and in compliance with Indiana statute. 
  • You will serve as a liaison between the Bureau of Mines and the mining industry. 
  • You will assist in maintaining all mine equipment and be knowledgeable in its operation and maintenance. 
  • You will assist in quarterly certification testing each quarter. 

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

What You'll Need for Success:

You must have the following requirements to be considered for employment: 

  • Chief Mine Inspector must have three (3) years underground mining experience and Indiana mine examiner certification. 
  • Technical knowledge of the Coal Mining Laws of Indiana. 
  • Possess practical knowledge and the ability to interpret and apply laws relevant to the Bureau of Mines. 
  • Possess knowledge of the inherent dangers in the underground coal mining industry, which includes different systems of working and ventilating coal mines, the nature, chemistry, detection, and control of noxious, poisonous and explosive gases. 
  • Must have the ability to discern the violations that are present in mining operations and be able to cite and have corrected such violations that are in violation of the Coal Mining Laws of Indiana and which may be a danger to any worker. 
  • Ability to be firm, practical and impartial when dealing with both internal and external clients.  
  • Valid Indiana driver’s license.  
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
  • Approximately 90 % of the Chief Mine Inspector’s job will be in the field.  Conditions involved can be unpleasant and dangerous, including excessive heat and cold conditions, exposure to noxious, poisonous & explosive gases, high dust levels, low light levels and confined spaces. Person will be in situations commonly found in the mining industry and will involve moving mobile equipment, chemical exposure, different types of mining terrain to negotiate ( wet, muddy, limited in height, and exposure to unstable roof strata.)  
  • There will be some lifting required on the job, which would include mine rescue apparatus, office equipment and other various equipment used at the Bureau of Mines.  None to exceed fifty (50) pounds.
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.


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