Construction · SOC 47-5043
Installing roof bolts in underground mines is physically demanding and safety-critical — this role is highly resistant to AI.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Robotic bolting machines exist in trials, but the confined, variable underground environment means human operators remain essential well past 2030.
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$50,970 median pay
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AI job-risk card
Roof Bolters, Mining is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Roof Bolters, Mining is 16/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
16 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: Logging bolt installation records, Reporting ventilation and safety check outcomes. Harder to automate: Pre-shift safety inspection of drilling equipment, Installing truss, glue, and resin bolts across ceiling spans, Positioning safety jacks under unstable roof sections, Hanging ventilation curtains and tubes underground.
Lean into Underground roof support techniques, Mine safety inspection, Drilling equipment operation, Hazard recognition. Consider roles such as Mine safety officer or Underground mining supervisor or Ground control engineer.
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.