Construction & Extraction
Roof Bolters, Mining
Also called: Bolt Machine Operator, Bolt Man, Bolter, Miner
US median pay
$78,540
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-18.9%
declining
Openings a year (US)
100
2,200 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Operate machinery to install roof support bolts in underground mine.
What they do day to day
- Drill bolt holes into roofs at specified distances from ribs or adjacent bolts.
- Pull down loose rock that cannot be supported.
- Position bolting machines, and insert drill bits into chucks.
- Perform safety checks on equipment before operating.
- Perform tests to determine if methane gas is present.
- Force bolts into holes, using hydraulic mechanisms of self-propelled bolting machines.
- Perform ventilation tasks, such as hanging ventilation curtains and tubes.
- Dust rocks after bolting.
- Install various types of bolts, including truss, glue, and resin bolts, traversing entire ceiling spans.
- Drill test holes and test bolts for specified tension, using torque wrenches.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operation and Control3.6/5
- Troubleshooting3.2/5
- Operations Monitoring3.2/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Repairing3.0/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
Knowledge
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.5/5
- Mechanical3.5/5
- Law and Government3.0/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
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 diploma87%
- Less than high school13%
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.