The coal sector offers a wide range of job opportunities for mining, transporting, and processing coal for its different uses.
Different kinds of jobs in the coal mining industry are classified according to their difficulty level. Some occupations are performed underground, while others are done above ground; however, all professions collaborate to support mining operations.
In this article, we’ll list the 15 best-paying jobs in coal mining and their various salaries and requirements to get started.
Table of contents
What Are Coal Mining Jobs?
Coal miners extract coal from surface and underground mines. To accomplish this, they use intricate and expensive technology that drills, chops, scrapes, or shovels earth and coal to collect the fuel.
Because coal is difficult to get, enormous amounts of dirt must be removed from the surface or dug out of mines so that coal miners may access it. Some coal miners are specialists who employ dynamite and other explosives to remove the earth and expose the coal.
According to the National Mining Association, about 82,830 coal miners were employed in 2018.
Is Coal Mining A Good Career Path?
A job in coal mining can be the best choice for you if you’re seeking a profession with above-average compensation and room for advancement. The sector has one of the best safety records of any significant industry, particularly in Canada, and is environmentally sustainable.
Moreover, coal companies pay their miners well and provide them with excellent health and retirement benefits.
15 Best Paying Jobs In Coal Mining
Here’s a list of the best-paying jobs in coal mining:
- Mining Engineer
- Geologist
- Miner
- Data Scientist
- Truck Driver
- Landman
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Roustabout
- Control Panel Technician
- Industrial Electrician
- Millwright
- Pipefitter
- Underground Miners
- Foreman
- Driller
1. Mining Engineer
National average salary: $93,310 per year
A mining engineer creates strategies for risk-free and efficient metal or mineral extraction. These engineers study mining regions to determine the most affordable and secure routes to their desired minerals to assess landmasses, rock forms, and potential access points.
Mining engineers monitor operations to assess performance and change mining techniques as needed. Mining engineers lead the list of best-paying jobs in coal mining.
2. Geologist
National average salary: $85,011 per year
A geologist is a scientist who focuses on the ecosystems, rock formations, and minerals found on Earth. These experts gather samples and other information while they evaluate geological areas for excavations and drilling.
To illustrate the probable environmental dangers of conducting building activities at particular sites, geologists produce maps and reports. Due to the delicate nature of their work, geologists are well paid, therefore, ranking among the best-paying jobs in the coal mining industry.
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3. Miner
National average salary: $79,050 per year
A miner controls the mining and delivery machinery to gather and distribute minerals like coal or ores. To access and remove coal, these experts use explosives and excavation equipment.
4. Data Scientist
National average salary: $75,167 per year
A data scientist is an information technology expert who collects, purifies, analyses, and presents data to provide forecasts and direction for business choices. These scientists produce data reports and visuals to communicate important information in wise ways.
Data scientists in the coal mining industry also develop algorithms and estimate trends using historical and current data.
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5. Truck Driver
National average salary: $74,728 per year
One of the best-paying jobs in coal mining is truck driving, with an annual salary of $74,728. A truck driver is a member of the transportation industry who loads, secures, and transports raw materials or completed goods from one place to another.
These drivers run dry or refrigerated trucks to guarantee that commodities are transported in their original condition.
To accurately report their work, truck drivers keep detailed travel records that include pickup locations, rest stops, delivery dates, and inventories.
6. Landman
National average salary: $82,032 per year
In your search for the best-paying jobs in coal mining, you will come across landman who earns an estimated $82,032 per year. A landman does legal and ownership investigations to help businesses acquire land for drilling, mining, or construction projects.
These experts acquire blueprints and maps to assess property lines and determine what land a business can buy and how. Landmen could approach landowners with offers to help them obtain control or access to the property that a business requires.
7. Geotechnical Engineer
National average salary: $74,776 per year
A geotechnical engineer ensures the technical security of construction projects. These engineers go to construction sites to gather information and samples to assess a project’s stability and risk considerations.
To assess potential environmental conditions that might impact the pace of development, geotechnical engineers create computer models for construction sites.
8. Roustabout
National average salary: $66,641 per year
A roustabout is an expert in labor who manages oil rigs, construction machinery, and other laborer duties. The duties of floorhand and rig supervisor can be filled by these experts, who also support physical labor crews.
It is their duty to keep the drilling area tidy and in good working order. They are also called roughnecks.
Owing to the nature of the work, which involves significant oil rig components, it is among the best-paying jobs in coal mining.
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9. Control Panel Technician
National average salary: $62,985 per year
A control panel technician is an operator with expertise in managing remote control equipment. These professionals monitor equipment operations and direct machinery motion and operation via control panels.
Technicians working on control panels assess the environment and the equipment’s performance to maintain safety requirements and perform maintenance as necessary.
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10. Industrial Electrician
National average salary: $70,017 per year
An industrial electrician is an electrician who monitors electrical controls, wiring, and Jobsite equipment at an industrial operation. They work for various companies, including parts makers, electrical corporations, and steel facilities. Industrial electricians might operate as freelancers or full-time employees for a single company.
Industrial electricians perform equipment installation and maintenance. These electricians do equipment testing and troubleshooting in order to carry out repairs or part replacements. Industrial electricians carry out routine upkeep, such as cleaning.
11. Millwright
National average salary: $56,605 per year
A millwright is a tradesperson who builds, repairs, and disassembles machinery. To successfully install or repair equipment, these experts assess the blueprints. Cranes or forklifts are used by millwrights to move machinery from one place to another.
Millwrights also operate on construction sites to provide advice on how to use, move, assemble, and disassemble machinery.
It usually takes four years to obtain the qualifications needed to become a millwright. During this period, you will complete an apprenticeship that will offer you hands-on experience as well as classroom-based training.
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12. Pipefitter
National average salary: $58,378 per year
Mechanical pipe systems are installed and maintained by a pipefitter. These professionals can be experts in pipe systems for refineries, power plants, offshore installations, or heating and cooling systems. Pipefitters also inspect and analyze piping components to locate issue spots.
13. Underground Miners
National average salary: $52,082 per year
In stone quarries or coal mines, subterranean miners operate mining machinery. To gain access to coal or other resources, these miners may use the equipment for excavation, blasting, or removal in addition to explosives. Underground miners extract the needed resources from the earth’s surface and store them securely.
14. Foreman
National average salary: $52,107 per year
A foreman oversees all aspects of building operations, including staff and tools. To uphold safety and professional standards, these experts recruit, educate, and manage staff. Foremen keep an eye on the progress of the project and adjust the workflow to maximize efficiency.
15. Driller
National average salary: $50,875 per year
A driller oversees the teams that drill wells to extract oil and other resources. These experts supervise well-drilling operations to guide personnel and guarantee their safety.
In order to assess operational safety and make judgments regarding work activities, drillers keep an eye on good parameters such as pressure and volume for gas or fluids.
What Are The Benefits Of Working In The Coal Mining Industry?
Coal mining often does not involve any expensive or time-consuming schooling, although it is physically hard. Most coal firms often pay their miners well and offer them outstanding perks.
In comparison to other jobs, a coal miner’s salary is usually relatively high. For example, in the United States, a coal miner will typically earn more than $20 US Dollars (USD) per hour. In addition to an interesting salary, many coal businesses provide their employees with medical insurance and retirement programs. Some coal mining businesses also provide lodging for their employees.
On the flip side, mining is typically regarded as a hazardous occupation, with miners at risk of physical harm as well as chronic health concerns. Black lung disease, for example, is frequently linked to coal mining.
Coal miners are granted free chest X-rays. These X-rays will aid in the early detection of black lung disease, brought on by coal dust inhalation. A miner with black lung may be eligible for a transfer to a region with less coal dust and may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, those with black lung disease have the right to file damage claims against unfair employers.
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Educational Requirements For Coal Mining Jobs
The coal mining sector has various educational requirements for diverse occupations.
High school graduation is often required for most coal mining occupations. Some jobs, like miners and roof bolters, call for formal schooling and on-the-job training.
A bachelor’s degree or higher will be needed for several occupations, including mine managers and surveyors.
Lastly, ensure you have the relevant credentials by researching the various educational requirements for the position you are interested in.
Conclusion
Coal mining is an essential aspect of global energy; as such, the job market for coal miners will continue to thrive due to its usefulness and importance of coal.
FAQs on Best Paying Jobs In Coal Mining
It can be pretty challenging to break into the mining sector, especially without prior training or credentials. When applying for mining employment, you must be patient and persistent.
Geologists or mining engineers, earn up to $400,000 annually, making them the top paying occupations in coal mining.
Coal mining is arduous labor that frequently involves dangerous circumstances. While those working underground do so in claustrophobic, dark, dirty, wet, and cold tunnels, those working in surface mines work outdoors in all types of weather.
A coal miner’s fundamental responsibilities include mining ore, coals, or rocks, using explosives, constructing supportive entryways for transportation, moving mining equipment from one place to another, and transporting mined coal to designated regions on the mining site.
References
- indeed.com – 24 Jobs in the Coal Industry (With Salaries and Primary Duties)
- ca.indeed.com – 14 Best Careers in Mining To Consider (With Job Search Tips)
- cryptocoached.ngontinh24.com – What mining jobs pay the most?
- miningdigital.com – Top 10: Highest Paying Jobs in the Mining Industry
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