The field of coal mining is very important to all of our lives, so for anyone interested in a stable and rewarding job, we’ve described the 15 highest-paying occupations in this field.
You’ll learn about the duties workers need to perform, the skills they need to possess, and review the average wages.
What is Coal Mining?
Coal mining is the process of extracting coal from underground mines.
Coal is a valuable resource that provides energy and supports many industries, including steel and cement production, electricity generation, and paper manufacturing, that’s why that is so important.
Is Coal Mining a Good Career Choice?
Despite the hazardous nature of the job, coal mining is a very stable and secure career choice. There are always going to be coal mines because we will always need coal.
Of course, new technologies and alternative energy sources are reducing our reliance on coal, but it will still be around for many years to come. What’s more, as coal mines get deeper, we need people with the skills and experience to work in these difficult conditions.
13 Best Paying Jobs in Coal Mining
Geologists
Average base salary: $68,791 per year
Geologists are responsible for studying the rock and coal strata to determine the best way to mine the coal. They need to be able to predict how long a coal seam will last and whether it is worth mining.
In order to perform their duties, they must have a bachelor’s degree in geology or a related field. They also need to be able to use geological software and have experience working in coal mines.
Health and Safety Officer
Average base salary: $82,608 per year
Health and safety officers are responsible for ensuring that all health and safety regulations are met in the workplace.
This profession requires excellent problem-solving and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of health and safety regulations.
Metallurgists
Average base salary: $86,114 per year
Metallurgists are workers who are engaged in obtaining metals from ores or other types of raw materials and in changing the chemical composition and properties of metal alloys.
To become one, you need to have good physical training, be very hardy and know the basics of metallurgy in addition to your education.
Engineers
Average base salary: $92,720 per year
Mining engineers are in charge of designing and developing mines, as well as overseeing their operations to ensure that they meet all safety standards.
This profession requires excellent problem-solving skills, as well as knowledge of mathematics and physics.
Geophysicists
Average base salary: $88,012 per year
Geophysicists use their knowledge of physics and mathematics to study the Earth’s physical properties, such as its gravity, magnetic field, and seismic activity.
In addition to education, they must have experience in coal mines and have good computer skills.
Mine supervisor
Average base salary: $83,941 per year
Mine supervisors are responsible for the safety and productivity of the workers in their section of the mine. They motivate workers and deal with difficult situations.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations, the ability to get along well with people, and experience in coal mines are key.
Drilling Operations Manager
Average base salary: $70,363 per year
Drilling Operations Managers are responsible for all drilling operations in a coal mine.
For this job, it is important to have experience working in coal mines, to be good with all the equipment, and to be able to develop new drilling techniques and keep workers safe.
Miner
Average base salary: $80,206 per year
Miners do very hard labor as they mine coal in the mines.
They have to be physically fit, know how to handle equipment, have experience working in coal mines, and follow safety rules for this demanding job.
Project Controls and Site Managers
Average base salary: $134,534 per year
Project supervisors and site managers are responsible for the overall management of the coal mine; they supervise the workers as a whole and make sure the work is done correctly and on time.
They develop new methods of coal mining and oversee the safety of workers, so they need to be able to get along well with people.
Compliance Manager
Average base salary: $64,014 per year
Compliance Managers are responsible for ensuring that the coal mine complies with all regulatory requirements.
Doing this job requires excellent problem-solving skills and knowledge of all regulations, as well as making sure workers are safe at all times.
Logistics Director
Average base salary: $115,897 per year
Logistics directors are responsible for coal mine transportation, storage, and distribution operations. They come up with the fastest and cheapest mining routes and work with the different departments to transport and sell the coal.
To be a logistics director you need to be able to negotiate and persuade people, have an analytical mind and solve problems quickly.
Foreman
Average base salary: $53,641 per year
The foremen are responsible for the workers of the coal mine, controlling them during the day. Often have their own team.
To work as a foreman it is important to have experience in mines and to work well with tools, as well as to be attentive and able to communicate with people.
Surveyors
Average base salary: $71,535 per year
Surveyors deal with the theoretical side of coal mining: they study and measure the ground surface, and they give advice.
To become a surveyor, you need to have a profile education, and the ability to use research tools and process data.