As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Underground Operator in the United States is $78,541 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Underground Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Underground Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Underground Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.21% |
| Equipment Operation | 3.69% |
| Public Works | 2.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Waste Management
|
$82,468 |
5%
|
|
Time Management
|
$82,468 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$80,897 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$80,897 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$80,112 |
2%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$80,112 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Underground Operators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Underground Operator with a No Diploma is between $69,226 and $76,768).
Underground Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 81.7% |
| Associates | 8.4% |
| Bachelors | 4.6% |
| Masters | 1.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how an Underground Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for an Underground Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $66,425 in 2023 to around $66,241 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Underground Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $66,425 |
| 2024 | $66,836 |
| 2025 | $66,241 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Underground Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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