Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining
SOC Code: 47-5044
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining carries a 43% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $68,860 and -22.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 6,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 43% AI exposure, Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining sits 6 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 76% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining has ai exposure of 43%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining (SOC 47-5044) carries an AI exposure score of 43%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 6,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -22.3% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $68,860, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Handle high voltage sources and hang electrical cables.
- 2. Drive loaded shuttle cars to ramps and move controls to discharge loads into mine cars or onto conveyors.
- 3. Pry off loose material from roofs and move it into the paths of machines, using crowbars.
- 4. Move trailing electrical cables clear of obstructions, using rubber safety gloves.
- 5. Stop gathering arms when cars are full.
- 6. Control conveyors that run the entire length of shuttle cars to distribute loads as loading progresses.
- 7. Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines.
- 8. Examine roadway and clear obstructions from the path of travel.
- 9. Drive machines into piles of material blasted from working faces.
- 10. Operate levers to move conveyor booms or shovels so that mine contents such as coal, rock, and ore can be placed into cars or onto conveyors.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Equipment Maintenance
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining?
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining has an AI exposure score of 43%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining is projected to decline by 22.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 6,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining?
Key skills for Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Troubleshooting, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining earn?
The median annual wage for Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining is $68,860, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining?
The typical entry-level education for Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining?
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).