Tunneling machine operator vs core sampler

The differences between tunneling machine operators and core samplers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a tunneling machine operator and a core sampler. Additionally, a core sampler has an average salary of $42,760, which is higher than the $29,347 average annual salary of a tunneling machine operator.

Tunneling machine operator vs core sampler overview

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Core Sampler
Yearly salary	$29,347	$42,760
Hourly rate	$14.11	$20.56
Growth rate	7%	-3%
Number of jobs	53,605	270
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 63%	High School Diploma, 43%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

Tunneling machine operator vs core sampler salary

Tunneling machine operators and core samplers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Core Sampler
Average salary	$29,347	$42,760
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $36,000	Between $23,000 And $78,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between tunneling machine operator and core sampler education

There are a few differences between a tunneling machine operator and a core sampler in terms of educational background:

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Core Sampler
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 63%	High School Diploma, 43%
Most common major	General Studies	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Tunneling machine operator vs core sampler demographics

Here are the differences between tunneling machine operators' and core samplers' demographics:

	Tunneling Machine Operator	Core Sampler
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9%	Male, 30.8% Female, 69.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 0.8% White, 74.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 0.8% White, 74.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between tunneling machine operator and core sampler duties and responsibilities

Tunneling machine operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.

Core sampler example responsibilities.

Change out augers and hollow stems and take samples and box them and label them and return them to the engineers.
Dig holes, set forms, and mix and pour concrete, for foundations of steel or wooden derricks.

Tunneling machine operator vs core sampler skills

Common tunneling machine operator skills

Control Room, 84%
Dryers, 16%

Common core sampler skills

Tunneling Machine Operator vs. similar jobs

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Construction and Extraction Industry
Tunneling Machine Operator
Tunneling Machine Operator vs Core Sampler

Updated January 8, 2025

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