Construction · SOC 47-5044
Underground machine operators face minimal AI threat — the physical hazards and confined spaces demand constant human presence.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Autonomous haulage is advancing in surface mines, but underground confined-space operation remains human-controlled for the foreseeable decade.
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$51,990 median pay
$55,440 median pay
$48,660 median pay
$49,140 median pay
$52,550 median pay
$49,150 median pay
AI job-risk card
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining is 18/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
18 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Reading written instructions and schedule updates, Communicating load and route status to supervisors. Harder to automate: Handling high-voltage sources and hanging electrical cables, Driving loaded shuttle cars through underground routes, Moving trailing cables clear of obstructions safely, Prying loose roof material with crowbars.
Lean into Underground haulage operation, Electrical safety in mines, Equipment maneuvering in confined spaces, Mine communications. Consider roles such as Mine haulage supervisor or Underground equipment trainer or Mine safety coordinator.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.