Construction & Extraction
Helpers--Extraction Workers
Also called: Continuous Miner Operator Helper, Driller Helper, Driller's Assistant, Longwall Machine Operator Helper
US median pay
$47,730
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+1.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
700
7,100 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Help extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers, blasters and explosives workers, derrick operators, and mining machine operators, by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying equipment or cleaning work area.
What they do day to day
- Observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems.
- Drive moving equipment to transport materials and parts to excavation sites.
- Unload materials, devices, and machine parts, using hand tools.
- Set up and adjust equipment used to excavate geological materials.
- Organize materials to prepare for use.
- Repair and maintain automotive and drilling equipment, using hand tools.
- Clean up work areas and remove debris after extraction activities are complete.
- Clean and prepare sites for excavation or boring.
- Load materials into well holes or into equipment, using hand tools.
- Provide assistance to extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers and derrick operators.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.6/5
- Operation and Control3.5/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.5/5
- Troubleshooting3.4/5
- Repairing3.4/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Equipment Selection3.1/5
- Coordination3.1/5
Knowledge
- Mechanical4.0/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Transportation3.3/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
- Public Safety and Security2.9/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma97%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.