A coal miner is someone who specializes in removing coal from the ground and bringing it to the surface. Coal miners can work in underground or surface mines and use a variety of techniques to extract coal from the earth. Some coal miners specialize in particular methods of extraction, which might improve their overall pay.
There are many methods a coal miner may use to extract coal from a mine. Each method requires different tools and job duties(How To Become a Coal Miner in 6 Steps (With Salary), n.d.).
Some of the common duties of a coal miner include:
- Operating explosives
- Building support entryways for mining corridors
- Transporting coal
- Moving mining equipment
- Repairing tools and support structures
Coal miners, on average, earn $21.57 per hour, depending on job, experience, and geographical location in the U.S. Overall, underground miners earn more than surface miners(Coal Miner Job Description, Career as a Coal Miner, Salary, Employment – Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job, n.d.).
What’s one thing you think people outside the industry often misunderstand about coal mining? Let’s shed some light on this vital profession!
Reverence:
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Coal Miner Job Description, Career as a Coal Miner, Salary, Employment—Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job. (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2025, from https://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/16/Miner-Coal.html
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How To Become a Coal Miner in 6 Steps (With Salary). (n.d.). Indeed Career Guide. Retrieved May 21, 2025, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-coal-miner
