Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace continuous mining machine operators?AI replacement risk 8% and how the work is changing

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$61,810
25th–75th pct. $51,610–$77,570
Top pay (est.)
$112,100
Top 10% $86,210
Pay in 5 years
$72,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$85,300est.
$73,400–$99,000
Outlook score
61/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
8%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.2%
1,400 openings / yr

Will AI replace Continuous Mining Machine Operators? AI replacement risk

8%
Very low
Ranked #14 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Continuous Mining Machine Operators

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.9
Operation and Control
3.6
Equipment Maintenance
3.4
Critical Thinking
3.1
Coordination
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0
Complex Problem Solving
3.0
Repairing
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.7
Education and Training
3.9
Production and Processing
3.7
Law and Government
3.4
Transportation
3.0
Mathematics
2.8
Administration and Management
2.8
Public Safety and Security
2.7

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsHandling and Moving ObjectsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Reaction TimeControl PrecisionAuditory AttentionMultilimb CoordinationProblem SensitivityFar Vision

Education of workers

High school diploma
81%
Post-secondary certificate
10%
Some college
5%
Less than high school
4%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
39%
6–12 months
26%
1–2 years
15%
1–3 months
11%
3–6 months
5%
None / short demo
4%

Related work experience

1–2 years
41%
6–12 months
18%
None
15%
3–6 months
9%
2–4 years
8%
1–3 months
7%
4–6 years
3%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.