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Mining and Metals
BHP, Rio Tinto, Newmont
Extraction Workers, All Other
These workers handle the catch-all jobs that keep an extraction site moving when the work does not fit a more specialized title. They may haul material, set up work areas, inspect equipment, clear debris, and support drilling or loading crews. The tradeoff is clear: the work is hands-on and can pay better than many entry-level jobs, but it is tied to remote sites, physical risk, and an industry with very little growth.
Also known as Mining LaborerQuarry WorkerOil Field LaborerMining HelperExtraction Laborer
Median Salary
$50,110
Mean $54,780
U.S. Workforce
~6K
0.7K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+1.4%
6.3K to 6.4K
Entry Education
High school diploma or equivalent
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Extraction Workers, All Other sits in the Trades category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~6K workers, with a median annual pay of $50,110 and roughly 0.7K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to grow from 6.3 K in 2024 to 6.4K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with High school diploma or equivalent, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Extraction Helper and can progress toward Crew Lead / Site Supervisor. High-value skills usually include Mine Safety Procedures, PPE & Hazard Detection, Haul Trucks, Loaders & Drill Rigs, and Gas Monitors, Ventilation Checks & Emergency Shutdowns, paired with soft skills such as Safety awareness, Teamwork, and Reliability.
Core Responsibilities
- Move rock, ore, or other materials around the site using trucks, loaders, conveyors, or hand tools.
- Set up and take down work areas, barriers, hoses, and other gear before and after the crew starts work.
- Check equipment and work areas for leaks, damage, loose parts, or other unsafe conditions.
- Clean up debris, keep walkways clear, and help with basic upkeep like lubrication and simple repairs.
Keep exploring: more Trades careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Move rock, ore, or other materials around the site using trucks, loaders, conveyors, or hand tools.
02 Set up and take down work areas, barriers, hoses, and other gear before and after the crew starts work.
03 Check equipment and work areas for leaks, damage, loose parts, or other unsafe conditions.
04 Clean up debris, keep walkways clear, and help with basic upkeep like lubrication and simple repairs.
05 Guide equipment operators and truck drivers with radios, hand signals, or direct instructions.
06 Collect samples, measure output, and record basic shift information for the crew.
Industries That Hire
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Oil and Gas Extraction
ExxonMobil, Chevron, Occidental Petroleum
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Quarrying and Construction Materials
Vulcan Materials, Martin Marietta, Holcim
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Coal Mining
Peabody Energy, Arch Resources, CONSOL Energy
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Oilfield Services
Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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You can enter with a high school diploma and no prior experience, which makes it one of the more accessible ways into industrial work.
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The pay is solid for a non-degree job: the median is $50,110 and the mean is $54,780.
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Workers often get overtime, shift differentials, or hazard pay when sites are busy or remote.
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The work is concrete and visible, so you can see exactly what your crew moved, loaded, or cleared by the end of the shift.
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Even though the field is small, there are about 700 annual openings, which creates regular turnover-based opportunities.
Challenges
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Growth is barely positive: employment is projected to rise only 1.4% from 6.3 thousand to 6.4 thousand by 2034, so the occupation is not expanding much.
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The work is physically demanding and often takes place around heavy machinery, dust, noise, and other safety risks.
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Jobs are tied to mines, quarries, or drilling sites, so relocation, long commutes, or living in remote areas is common.
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This industry is sensitive to commodity prices and project shutdowns, so hours and hiring can drop quickly when output slows.
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There is a limited ceiling for general labor roles unless you move into equipment operation, supervision, or a more specialized trade.
Career Progression
Extraction Helper
0-1 years
$34K-$42K
Helps with cleanup, material movement, and basic site preparation while learning the safety rules and equipment.
Extraction Worker, All Other
1-4 years
$46K-$58K
Handles the mix of hauling, setup, inspection, and support tasks that do not fit a more specialized operator title.
Senior Extraction Worker / Lead Hand THIS ROLE
4-8 years
$59K-$74K
Takes on more difficult tasks, helps check work quality, and shows newer workers how to stay safe and on schedule.
Crew Lead / Site Supervisor
8+ years
$75K-$95K
Coordinates crews, equipment, and safety compliance while balancing production goals, schedules, and incident reporting.
Education Paths
High school diploma or equivalent
The standard entry point for this role, with no prior work experience required.
Moderate-term on-the-job training
The usual way workers learn site rules, equipment handling, and safety procedures before working on their own.
Postsecondary certificate in mining technology, heavy equipment operation, or industrial maintenance
A useful alternative for learning equipment basics and safety practices, but not required for most openings.
Employer-sponsored apprenticeship or equipment certification
A practical path for workers who want to move into more specialized site work or machine operation.
Key Skills
Technical
Mine Safety Procedures, PPE & Hazard Detection 96%
Haul Trucks, Loaders & Drill Rigs 90%
Gas Monitors, Ventilation Checks & Emergency Shutdowns 84%
Preventive Maintenance, Lubrication & Basic Troubleshooting 78%
Radios, Hand Signals & Dispatch Communication 72%
Sampling, Measuring & Shift Log Recordkeeping 66%
Soft Skills
Safety awarenessTeamworkReliabilitySituational awarenessClear communicationFollowing instructions Job Outlook and Trends
+1.4%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
0.7K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 6.3K to 6.4 K over the next decade, representing 1.4% growth. Around 0.7 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Rare. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.