Roof bolters, mining
SOC Code: 47-5043
Roof bolters, mining carries a 38% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $76,640 and -34.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 2,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Roof bolters, mining (SOC 47-5043) carries an AI exposure score of 38%, placing it in the Medium 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 below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 2,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -34.2% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $76,640, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, 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 Roof bolters, 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. Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.
- 2. Pull down loose rock that cannot be supported.
- 3. Position bolting machines, and insert drill bits into chucks.
- 4. Perform safety checks on equipment before operating.
- 5. Perform tests to determine if methane gas is present.
- 6. Force bolts into holes, using hydraulic mechanisms of self-propelled bolting machines.
- 7. Perform ventilation tasks, such as hanging ventilation curtains and tubes.
- 8. Dust rocks after bolting.
- 9. Install various types of bolts, including truss, glue, and resin bolts, traversing entire ceiling spans.
- 10. Drill test holes and test bolts for specified tension, using torque wrenches.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
- Active Listening
- Equipment Maintenance
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Roof bolters, mining?
Roof bolters, mining has an AI exposure score of 38%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Roof bolters, mining?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Roof bolters, mining is projected to decline by 34.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 2,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Roof bolters, mining?
Key skills for Roof bolters, mining include Operation and Control, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Roof bolters, mining earn?
The median annual wage for Roof bolters, mining is $76,640, 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 Roof bolters, mining?
The typical entry-level education for Roof bolters, mining is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Roof bolters, mining?
Roof bolters, 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
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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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).