ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Underground Coal Mine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Foresight Energy

Mine Examiner (Viking)

Macedonia, IL

$35.19/hr

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 ...

Warrior Met Coal

BC Inby

Berry, AL

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 ...

Foresight Energy

Mine Examiner (Viking)

Macedonia, IL · On-site

$35.19/hr

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

Foresight Energy

Mine Examiner (Viking)

Macedonia, IL · On-site

$35.19/hr

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

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

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 ...

Peabody Energy

Operator - Underground

Coulterville, IL · On-site

$37.38/hr

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 ...

Peabody Energy

Operator - Underground

Coulterville, IL · On-site

$37.38/hr

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 ...

Warrior Coal

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 ...

Peabody Energy

Operator - Underground

Coulterville, IL

$37.38/hr

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 ...

Peabody Energy

Operator - Underground

Coulterville, IL

$37.38/hr

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 ...

Warrior Coal

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 ...

Warrior Coal LLC

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 ...

JENNMAR Services

Coal Miner

Bessemer, AL · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Coal Miner JENNMAR Services is currently seeking Experienced and Inexperienced Underground Coal ... mine locations; * Ability to utilize different task training and to work on weekends as required

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEnergy and Environment JobsFuel JobsMiner JobsUnderground Coal Mine Jobs

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 23, 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:

Underground Coal Mine jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Coal Mine job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,007 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Mine Examiner (Viking)

Foresight Energy

Macedonia, IL

$35.19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Seeking a safety-focused, detail-oriented, and certified Mine Examiner to join our underground mining operations.  The Mine Examiner plays a critical role in maintaining a safe working environment by conducting required examinations, identifying hazardous conditions, ensuring compliance with federal and state mining regulations, and supporting the mine's overall safety and production objectives.

This position requires a strong understanding of mining laws, mine-specific safety plans, and underground mining practices.  The successful candidate must demonstrate sound judgment, excellent observational skills, and the ability to work independently in physically demanding underground conditions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

         Conduct required Pre-Shift, On-Shift, and Weekly Mine Examinations in accordance with applicable regulations.

         Travel throughout the underground mine, including air courses, beltlines, escapeways, and active working sections, to inspect for hazardous conditions.

         Identify, document, and communicate hazards, unsafe conditions, and regulatory violations.

         Take appropriate corrective actions and ensure hazards are addressed before miners are exposed. 

         Accurately complete examination reports, records, and required documentation. 

         Monitor ventilation systems, air quality, methane levels, and other environmental conditions.

         Verify compliance with Roof Control Plans, Ventilation Plans, Emergency Evacuation Plans, Safeguards, and other approved mine plans. 

         Ensure compliance with all Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations and Illinois State Mining Laws.

         Communicate examination findings and safety concerns to mine management and affected personnel.

         Assist with accident prevention, hazard recognition, and continuous safety improvement efforts.

         Maintain familiarity with the mine layout, travel ways, escapeways, and emergency procedures.

         Participate in safety meetings, inspections, and required training.

         Perform additional duties as assigned.

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 become proficient in mine-specific plans, including:

o   Roof control Plan

o   Ventilation Plan

o   Air Quality Monitory Program

o   Emergency Evacuation Plan

o   Safeguards

o   Mine maps and underground layout

         Strong understanding of underground mining operations and hazard recognition.

         Ability to interpret mine maps, ventilation maps, and technical documents.

         Excellent written and verbal communication skills

         Strong attention to detail and sound decision-making abilities.

         Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

         Previous experience as a certified Mine Examiner in an underground coal mine.

         Experience with underground ventilation systems and atmospheric monitoring.

Requirements

Ability to safely work in an underground mining environment.

Ability to walk several miles during a shift while conducting examinations.

Ability to climb ladders, negotiate uneven terrain, and travel thorough confined areas.

Ability to lift up to 115 lbs., push/pull up to 90 lbs.

Work may include rotating (12) hour shifts, or straight 3rd shift, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-outs as operational needs require. 

Benefits

Compensation at an attractive hourly rate of $35.19.

In addition, there's potential to earn various bonuses based on safety, production metrics, and attendance.

At Foresight Energy, we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer. We offer an outstanding wage and benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; life insurance; 401(k) plan; paid holidays; vacation time; and so much more.

Apply