SalaryNode

Average Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining Salary in Kentucky

Loading and Moving Machine Operators in underground mining within Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $66,480. This figure is slightly below the national average of $68,470, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living. The specific economic landscape and demand within Kentucky's mining sector directly influence this localized compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $66,480 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,510.
  • Outlook: With a concentrated workforce of 280 individuals and a robust Location Quotient of 3.52, Kentucky demonstrates a significant concentration of Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining roles. This high concentration suggests a strong and established demand for these specialized skills within the state's mining industry, indicating a stable job market for these professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$66,480

The average Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining in Kentucky earns-2.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32

Weekly

$1,278

Monthly

$5,540

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining Salary Distribution in Kentucky

The salary progression for Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven safety record can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$64,170$30.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$49,860$24
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$67,510$32.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$83,100$40
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$67,510$32.5

Detailed Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$66,480

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$74,031

Adjusted for COL (89.8)

The average annual salary of $66,480 in Kentucky presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of this salary is effectively higher than the nominal amount suggests, allowing for a comfortable standard of living.

Job Market Context

280

Total Jobs

0.14

Per 1K Jobs

3.52

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Kentucky has 3.5x the national concentration of Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Kentucky's Location Quotient of 3.52 for Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining is exceptionally high, indicating that this profession is significantly more concentrated in Kentucky than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers actively seek individuals with these specific mining operational skills.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Minings?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining make in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining in Kentucky is $66,480. This typically ranges from $64,170 for entry-level positions to $67,510 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 2.9% lower than the national median of $68,470.

Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Minings?

Yes, Kentucky offers a lucrative environment for these operators due to a high concentration of jobs and a favorable cost of living.The substantial Location Quotient of 3.52 signifies a strong demand for these roles, and the cost of living being below the national average enhances the real value of the $66,480 average salary.

Is Kentucky a good place to live for Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Minings?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does Kentucky's average salary compare to the national average for this role?

The average annual salary for Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining in Kentucky is $66,480, which is slightly lower than the national average of $68,470.

What is the significance of Kentucky's Location Quotient for this job?

A Location Quotient of 3.52 means that this profession is 3.52 times more concentrated in Kentucky than the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence and demand.

How does the cost of living in Kentucky affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (below the national average of 100), the $66,480 salary in Kentucky offers greater purchasing power than it might in a higher cost-of-living area.

What is the total number of these operators in Kentucky?

There are approximately 280 Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining employed in Kentucky.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 0.14 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kentucky