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What is a mine equipment operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a mine equipment operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $20.99 an hour? That's $43,664 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 6,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreMine Equipment OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.4

Avg. Salary $43,664

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.8

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.14%

Asian 1.77%

Black or African American 4.01%

Hispanic or Latino 25.41%

Unknown 3.03%

White 64.64%

Gender

female 10.90%

male 89.10%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.0

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
2.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Mine equipment operator career paths

Key steps to become a mine equipment operator

  1. Explore mine equipment operator education requirements

    Most common mine equipment operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    37.2 %

    Bachelor's

    26.7 %

    Associate

    19.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific mine equipment operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Loaders22.17%
    Graders18.67%
    End Loaders17.04%
    OSHA13.10%
    Shovels12.73%
  3. Complete relevant mine equipment operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mine equipment operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mine equipment operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mine equipment operator resumes.
  4. Research mine equipment operator duties and responsibilities

    • Operate other various equipment including but not limit to shovels, loaders, snow plows, and water trucks.
    • Track Dozers: D8L, D9.
    • Operate heavy equipment such as loaders, forklifts, mining trucks and dump trucks.
    • Remove debris such as loose shale from channels and planer travel areas using battery and diesel scoops.
  5. Prepare your mine equipment operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mine equipment operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mine equipment operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable mine equipment operator resume templates

    Build a professional mine equipment operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your mine equipment operator resume.
    Mine Equipment Operator Resume
    Mine Equipment Operator Resume
    Mine Equipment Operator Resume
    Mine Equipment Operator Resume
    Mine Equipment Operator Resume
    Mine Equipment Operator Resume
    Mine Equipment Operator Resume
    Mine Equipment Operator Resume
    Mine Equipment Operator Resume
  6. Apply for mine equipment operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a mine equipment operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first mine equipment operator job

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Average mine equipment operator salary

The average mine equipment operator salary in the United States is $43,664 per year or $21 per hour. Mine equipment operator salaries range between $34,000 and $56,000 per year.

Average mine equipment operator salary
$43,664 Yearly
$20.99 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do mine equipment operators rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Mine equipment operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros

Different challenges to overcome and adapt to get work done

Cons

Sitting idle with nothing to do


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

The power off the equipment the finish grade off the work and being safe

Cons

Broke down equipment


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Cons

Young bucks that come in with no it all temperaments without the experience. They can get you hurt in this line of work. Remember everything can kill you when dealing with heavy equipment


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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