10 of the Most Popular Types of Mining Operator Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Mining Operator jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Mining Operator Jobs

• Mining

  Salary range: $48,500 - $62,000

  Mining is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Mining jobs pay between $48,500 (25th percentile) and $62,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Mining job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Heavy Equipment Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000

  Heavy Equipment Operator jobs require the safe and proper use of various types of heavy machinery in a large construction or demolition environment. The tasks of a Heavy Equipment Operator vary depending on the type of job and machinery. Examples of heavy equipment include bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and backhoes. Heavy equipment operators most commonly work in construction, oil and gas pipelines, and logging.

• Excavator Operator

  Salary range: $45,000 - $59,500

  As an excavator operator, you control the heavy equipment that moves dirt, sand, and other materials on construction sites. In addition to operating the excavator machine, your job duties are to perform routine maintenance on your excavator and coordinate with your supervisor for major repairs. Since your heavy machinery will move earth, rubble, and debris around the construction sites at your jobs, you need to communicate with the site supervisor and other construction workers to ensure everyone’s safety while you’re operating the excavator.

• Heavy Equipment

  Salary range: $62,500 - $76,000

  Heavy equipment jobs are typically within the construction or industrial maintenance industries. The two main categories of heavy equipment jobs are heavy equipment operator and heavy equipment mechanic. As a heavy equipment operator, you are in charge of running large pieces of equipment to help build or maintain roads, bridges, large structures, and tunnels or pipelines. Your job duties may include operating bulldozers, front-end loaders, or backhoes responsibly during large projects. Heavy equipment mechanics, on the other hand, help to keep this equipment in working order for the operators by working on engines and other moving parts of the machinery.

• Coal Mining Equipment Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000

  Coal Mining Equipment Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Coal Mining Equipment Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Coal Mining Equipment Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000

  The job of an entry-level heavy equipment operator is to operate and perform maintenance on machinery used in building construction, like excavators, haul trucks, or snowcats. Someone in this role should follow all safety regulations on a construction site. An entry-level heavy equipment operator often works under direct supervision, although they may take on small building projects as they gain experience and demonstrate skills. Qualifications include a high school diploma and on-the-job training, although additional licensure or certification may be required for certain types of machinery.

• Miner

  Salary range: $30,000 - $128,000

  A miner is a laborer who extracts coal or other minerals from underground blocks. Job duties include navigating through mine tunnels to excavation sites, operating specialized machinery and equipment, following safety regulations, and working with a team. Working in the mining blocks typically includes long hours, and you must work in all weather conditions to keep up with demand. Career qualifications for a miner include formal training through a Mine Safety and Health Administration approved program and certification.

• Physical Therapist

  Salary range: $83,000 - $107,500

  Physical therapists, or PTs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, help injured clients with mobility and pain management. Individuals in need of rehabilitation or those who suffer from chronic conditions rely on PTs to improve their range of motion, strengthen injured muscles, and correct alignment issues. Physical therapists should have a thorough knowledge of a patient's medical history and should be in frequent communication with the patient’s primary care physician. It is also their job to track patient progress, modify treatment plans, and educate the patient’s family on stretches and other aftercare.

• Surface Mining

  Salary range: $48,500 - $62,000

  Surface Mining is a common job search query. Most salaries for Surface Mining jobs pay between $48,500 (25th percentile) and $62,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Surface Mining job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Mine Equipment Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $56,000

  Mine Equipment Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Mine Equipment Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Mine Equipment Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.