1

Underground Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trainee Locator

Spartanburg, SC · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Hourly Discover a more connected career At UtiliQuest, LLC, as a Trainee Locator, you'll learn safety rules and techniques to find underground utility lines. You'll work with experienced locators ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Underground Trainee information

See salary details

$13

$21

$36

How much do underground trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground trainee in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do you need to work underground?

To work underground as an underground trainee, you typically need good physical fitness, the ability to work in confined and potentially hazardous environments, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Safety training, such as mine safety or confined space certification, is usually required, along with the ability to follow strict safety protocols and work in shifts or irregular hours.

What is an underground trainee?

An underground trainee is an entry-level worker who is learning the skills necessary to work safely and effectively in underground environments, such as in mining or tunneling operations. Their responsibilities often include assisting experienced workers, following safety protocols, and learning to operate specialized equipment. The trainee phase allows individuals to gain hands-on experience and become familiar with the unique challenges of working underground before advancing to more specialized or independent roles.

How to get into mining with no experience?

Underground trainee positions often accept candidates with little or no experience if they demonstrate physical fitness, willingness to learn, and a good work ethic. Entry requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, and obtaining relevant certifications such as safety training or first aid can improve chances. On-the-job training is provided, and starting as a laborer or assistant can lead to more advanced roles in mining.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an Underground Trainee expect during the initial months on the job?

As an Underground Trainee, you will typically start with hands-on training in mining safety, equipment operation, and site protocols under the supervision of experienced miners. Early responsibilities often include assisting with basic support tasks such as ground support installation, material handling, and learning to operate machinery like drills or loaders. You will also be involved in regular safety meetings and shadowing skilled workers to understand daily underground operations. This structured approach helps you build foundational skills and prepares you for more complex tasks as you progress in your role.

What is the difference between Underground Trainee vs Underground Miner?

AspectUnderground TraineeUnderground Miner
CredentialsBasic safety certifications, training programsAdvanced certifications, experience required
Work EnvironmentSupervised training environment undergroundActive mining operations underground
Job RoleLearning and assisting in mining tasksPerforming mining operations independently

Underground Trainees are in the learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and certifications under supervision. In contrast, Underground Miners are experienced workers actively involved in mining activities. Trainees typically have basic safety certifications and work under supervision, while Miners have advanced certifications and perform independent tasks underground.

What is the easiest job to get in the mines?

In underground mining, entry-level positions such as laborer or helper are generally the easiest to obtain, often requiring minimal experience and basic physical fitness. These roles typically involve assisting skilled workers and may require safety training or certifications like mine safety training courses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Underground Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Trainee, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, a strong understanding of safety protocols, and physical fitness. Familiarity with mining equipment, basic mechanical tools, and safety certifications such as MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) training are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability are soft skills that help individuals excel in challenging underground environments. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safety, ensuring operational efficiency, and supporting effective collaboration in hazardous settings.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Underground trainee roles typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades such as commercial diving, certain construction or mining positions, or specialized technical roles that require on-the-job training and safety certifications. These jobs usually involve physically demanding work and specific skill sets.
What cities are hiring for Underground Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Underground Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Underground jobs? The most popular types of Underground jobs are:
What states have the most Underground Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Underground Trainee jobs include:
Underground Trainee (Inexperienced candidates)

Underground Trainee (Inexperienced candidates)

Warrior Met Coal

Brookwood, AL

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Warrior Met Coal rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 32 rated mining


Job description

**These positions will be located in Warrior Mine #4 and Mine #7 located in the Brookwood AL. area.
The underground miner trainee is required by state and federal law to be under direct supervision of an experienced, spotter-certified miner for a period of at least 45 working shifts. The miner trainee shall provide operational support as it pertains to performing various general/manual labor duties on a frequent basis as assigned. Performance of these and other associated duties in a manner consistent with all applicable procedures, plans, policies, practices, environmental, health or safety rules or legal requirements.

Provide operational support as it pertains to performing various general/manual labor duties on frequent basis as assigned so that production goals are met.   Performance of these and other associated duties shall be performed in a manner consistent with all applicable procedures, plans, policies, practices, environmental, health or safety rules or legal requirements.

Essential Functions

  • Perform various general/manual labor duties on frequent basis such as shoveling; applying rock dust; gathering and delivering supplies and materials; greasing conveyor belt rollers, tailpieces and head drives; assisting other miners in performing their duties, etc.
  • Assist in moving the section, which primarily involves installing/retrieving mine conveyor belt, associated structure and devices, and moving up/pulling back the section main electrical power distribution center, battery chargers and associated electrical cables.
  • Conduct all work activities under the direct supervision of an experienced, spotter-certified miner for a period of at least 45 worked shifts and remain in compliance with Federal and State coal mining laws and Company policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
  • Must be able to follow specific instructions while maintaining acceptable established standards of work performance and conduct, show necessary and consistent energy, as well as acceptable mental and physical dexterity, for the satisfactory completion of the essential duties as defined.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.

What Warrior Met Coal employees say

Pay

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom