Roof Bolters, Mining
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.
Median pay: $78,540/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -34.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.
• Pull down loose rock that cannot be supported.
• Position bolting machines, and insert drill bits into chucks.
• Perform safety checks on equipment before operating.
• Perform tests to determine if methane gas is present.
• Force bolts into holes, using hydraulic mechanisms of self-propelled bolting machines.
• Perform ventilation tasks, such as hanging ventilation curtains and tubes.
• Dust rocks after bolting.
What's the median pay for Roof Bolters, Mining?
The median pay for Roof Bolters, Mining is $78,540 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Roof Bolters, Mining?
Employment for Roof Bolters, Mining is projected to change -34.2% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Roof Bolters, Mining?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Roof Bolters, Mining?
About 100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.