National Salary Overview
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Median Salary
$68,322
Average (Mean)
$68,140
Employed Nationwide
4,100
VS
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Median Salary
$68,560
Average (Mean)
$71,093
Employed Nationwide
465,820
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns $237 more (0.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$68,322
$68,560
Average (Mean) Salary
$68,140
$71,093
Total Employment
4,100
465,820
States with Higher Pay
10
10
Salary by State: Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Showing 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining pays more in 10 states; Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pays more in 10.
| State | Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $60,020 | $58,670 | +$1,350 | ||
| Alaska | $93,130 | $93,920 | $-790 | ||
| Arizona | $72,430 | $62,070 | +$10,360 | ||
| Colorado | $79,150 | $63,240 | +$15,910 | ||
| Georgia | $50,380 | $57,200 | $-6,820 | ||
| Illinois | $75,890 | $99,950 | $-24,060 | ||
| Iowa | $48,490 | $63,890 | $-15,400 | ||
| Louisiana | $48,670 | $63,680 | $-15,010 | ||
| Michigan | $59,310 | $80,190 | $-20,880 | ||
| Missouri | $52,040 | $66,790 | $-14,750 | ||
| Nevada | $82,920 | $61,610 | +$21,310 | ||
| New York | $60,890 | $77,490 | $-16,600 | ||
| Ohio | $71,380 | $63,330 | +$8,050 | ||
| Oklahoma | $44,760 | $57,970 | $-13,210 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $75,240 | $68,080 | +$7,160 | ||
| South Carolina | $80,480 | $53,940 | +$26,540 | ||
| Texas | $47,310 | $59,840 | $-12,530 | ||
| Virginia | $76,900 | $60,470 | +$16,430 | ||
| West Virginia | $74,950 | $56,980 | +$17,970 | ||
| Wyoming | $112,110 | $62,410 | +$49,700 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
On average across all states, a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns more than a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining. The national median salary difference is $237 (0.3%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining earn more than a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
A Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining earns a higher median salary than a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in 10 out of 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pays more in 10 states.
What is the median salary for a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
The national median salary for a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining is $68,322 per year, compared to $68,560 for a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
There are more people employed as Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. BLS reports approximately 4,100 Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining positions and 465,820 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Both Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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