Careers · Construction and extraction

Extraction Workers, All Other

Extraction workers who aren't classified elsewhere remove natural resources from the earth, including minerals, metals, stone, and other materials. They work in mines, quarries, and similar operations across the United States, performing tasks like drilling, blasting, loading, and transporting extracted materials.

$57,010median pay, U.S., per year

$44,370–$65,380middle half earn

5,540employed in the U.S.

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A day in the work

A typical week involves operating heavy equipment, monitoring extraction processes, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Workers may spend time drilling bore holes, setting explosives, loading extracted material onto trucks, or maintaining equipment. Tasks vary by site and season, with some weeks focused on active extraction and others on site preparation or equipment upkeep.

Who this work suits

You're suited to this work if you're comfortable with physical labor, machinery operation, and working outdoors in varying conditions. You prefer practical, hands-on problem-solving and take safety seriously in demanding work environments.

What it takes

Pay by state

State	25th pct	Median	75th pct	Employed
Pennsylvania	$65,640	$79,520	$82,150	—
Colorado	$65,360	$77,890	$81,250	60
Idaho	$69,670	$71,050	$86,920	40
Nevada	$50,380	$67,450	$88,130	390
New York	$64,170	$64,180	$65,550	50
West Virginia	$61,750	$63,550	$71,030	470
Texas	$40,320	$61,290	$65,200	1,070
Wyoming	$49,080	$59,090	$60,110	370
Montana	$48,010	$51,200	$61,780	160
California	$48,470	$50,590	$57,160	—
Tennessee	$48,290	$49,400	$51,250	70
Louisiana	$40,530	$48,070	$64,220	1,650

All 17 states

Pennsylvania · $79,520 Colorado · $77,890 Idaho · $71,050 Nevada · $67,450 New York · $64,180 West Virginia · $63,550 Texas · $61,290 Wyoming · $59,090 Montana · $51,200 California · $50,590 Tennessee · $49,400 Louisiana · $48,070 Arkansas · $47,200 Minnesota · $47,070 Georgia · $45,760 Utah · $45,140 Ohio · $44,550

Training

Local training programs Certifications Licenses in your state Apprenticeships

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters Continuous Mining Machine Operators Roof Bolters, Mining

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against extraction workers, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.

Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 47-5099.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.