How to become roof bolters, miningeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$78,540

25th–75th pct. $71,390–$81,860

Top pay (est.)

$120,700

Top 10% $92,830

Pay in 5 years

$88,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$100,200est.

$86,200–$116,400

Outlook score

37/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

14%

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

−18.9%

100 openings / yr

How to become roof bolters, mining

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Roof Bolters, Mining

Key skills

Coordination

3.5

Operations Monitoring

3.2

Operation and Control

3.1

Monitoring

3.1

Quality Control Analysis

3.0

Troubleshooting

3.0

Time Management

3.0

Equipment Maintenance

3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical

4.0

Production and Processing

3.8

Education and Training

3.7

Public Safety and Security

3.5

Law and Government

3.1

Engineering and Technology

2.5

English Language

2.4

Design

2.2

What the work involves

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesTraining and Teaching Others

Important abilities

Control PrecisionExtent FlexibilityReaction TimeMultilimb CoordinationStatic StrengthManual Dexterity

Education of workers

High school diploma

87%

Less than high school

13%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

48%

6–12 months

23%

3–6 months

1–2 years

Related work experience

6–12 months

40%

None

39%

1–3 months

3–6 months

1–2 years

Up to 1 month

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

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

Career path and how to earn more as roof bolters, mining

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Construction Laborers Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.	$47,120	67/100	8%
2	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.	$79,920	71/100	16%
3	Electricians Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.	$63,190	78/100	7%
4	Carpenters Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.	$60,580	67/100	9%
5	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement.	$59,850	58/100	15%
6	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases.	$63,800	76/100	7%

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.