Does the thought of digging through caves and tunnels while searching for every last piece of valuable ore or coal sound exciting to you? While the classic tools of lanterns and pickaxes are starting to swap out for new technologies (like 3D imaging software and controlled plasma application), companies still need humans to go in and dig the finite parts machine have difficulty getting.
But what’s a typical miner salary? And what exactly goes into being a miner?
Well, wonder no longer, as we’re here to give you our career guide for being a miner! Let’s not waste any more time and dig (get it?) in!
Qualifications For Being a Miner
One appealing thing about becoming a miner is that the job tends to prioritize experience and physical capability over academics. In other words, you don’t need a college degree to become a miner. That said, it does help, especially if you want to work as a technician for one of the mining machines (like the drills) or work as a mining engineer.
Miners also must take rigorous training courses (like the MSHA part 48) to prepare them for the various safety procedures that need to happen during mining. Passing these courses ahead of time can help increase your chances of getting hired as a miner. Any experience you bring from other labor-based jobs like welding will also prove beneficial towards securing the job.
What’s a Typical Miner Salary?
As of 2021, the average salary of a miner sits at around $20 an hour. This number can skyrocket to around $45 an hour if you get a job as an engineer within the mines, with a projected 4% job growth going up to 2030.
To find higher-paying miner jobs, you’ll want to go to the states where mining is a thriving industry. For example, Wyoming possesses some of the largest coal mines still operational in the U.S today.
How Hard is a Mining Job?
Mining is hard work, as skilled miners need to possess a lot of strength and stamina to lug around heavy equipment and mine through rock all day. Miners also need a keen awareness of their environment and sharp reflexes. After all, failure to take proper notice of what’s happening around you can lead to injury, mine cave-ins, or worse.
Miners also must demonstrate proficiency with explosives, as these are still used in mining for their raw power. In addition, miners must have strong communication skills, as communication is key for ensuring everyone stays safe and knows what’s happening in the mine.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
And there you have it! Now that you have this career guide exploring everything from the average miner salary to the responsibilities of the job, you’re ready to start a brand-new career in the mining industry!
But what if you’re still looking for more tips and tricks to succeed in your career, wherever that is? Well, check out the rest of the articles on our blog to find those tips!
So get out there and find your light at the end of the tunnel!
