National Salary Overview
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Median Salary
$68,322
Average (Mean)
$68,140
Employed Nationwide
4,100
VS
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Median Salary
$70,348
Average (Mean)
$70,015
Employed Nationwide
67,530
Structural Iron and Steel Workers earns $2,025 more (3.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$68,322
$70,348
Average (Mean) Salary
$68,140
$70,015
Total Employment
4,100
67,530
States with Higher Pay
10
10
Salary by State: Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining vs Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Showing 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining pays more in 10 states; Structural Iron and Steel Workers pays more in 10.
| State | Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining | Structural Iron and Steel Workers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $60,020 | $56,640 | +$3,380 | ||
| Alaska | $93,130 | $76,970 | +$16,160 | ||
| Arizona | $72,430 | $59,390 | +$13,040 | ||
| Colorado | $79,150 | $58,830 | +$20,320 | ||
| Georgia | $50,380 | $48,090 | +$2,290 | ||
| Illinois | $75,890 | $101,850 | $-25,960 | ||
| Iowa | $48,490 | $77,400 | $-28,910 | ||
| Louisiana | $48,670 | $68,830 | $-20,160 | ||
| Michigan | $59,310 | $62,830 | $-3,520 | ||
| Missouri | $52,040 | $77,410 | $-25,370 | ||
| Nevada | $82,920 | $62,510 | +$20,410 | ||
| New York | $60,890 | $92,610 | $-31,720 | ||
| Ohio | $71,380 | $74,710 | $-3,330 | ||
| Oklahoma | $44,760 | $47,660 | $-2,900 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $75,240 | $82,970 | $-7,730 | ||
| South Carolina | $80,480 | $50,750 | +$29,730 | ||
| Texas | $47,310 | $52,240 | $-4,930 | ||
| Virginia | $76,900 | $60,260 | +$16,640 | ||
| West Virginia | $74,950 | $71,850 | +$3,100 | ||
| Wyoming | $112,110 | $47,480 | +$64,630 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining vs Structural Iron and Steel Workers 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 Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
On average across all states, a Structural Iron and Steel Workers earns more than a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining. The national median salary difference is $2,025 (3.0%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining earn more than a Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
A Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining earns a higher median salary than a Structural Iron and Steel Workers in 10 out of 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Structural Iron and Steel Workers pays more in 10 states.
What is the median salary for a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining vs Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
The national median salary for a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining is $68,322 per year, compared to $70,348 for a Structural Iron and Steel Workers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining or Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
There are more people employed as Structural Iron and Steel Workers. BLS reports approximately 4,100 Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining positions and 67,530 Structural Iron and Steel Workers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining or Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
Both Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining and Structural Iron and Steel Workers 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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