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US job code 47-5081People-facingHigh change by 2035

Helpers--Extraction Workers

Machines can already do 18% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 55%. The job changes before it disappears.

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Share of the work machines can do

Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050

100%75%50%25%20262035205018%Half: 2034

Helpers--Extraction Workers in 2026: the short answer

  • Today: machines can do 18% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
  • Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2034, and 55% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
  • Size: 6,700 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $47,730 a year.
  • Contact with people: it scores 76% for contact with people.
  • Also called: Continuous Miner Operator Helper, Driller Helper, Driller's Assistant, Longwall Machine Operator Helper.
  • Competency here means how well the best AI model, tool or robot available can do a task, scored out of 100: today using the best available now, and for later years the 311 prediction of what AI and robots will be able to do.

Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.

Machines can do today
18%of the tasks, 2026
By 2035
55%half the tasks by 2034
US median pay
$47,730a year, May 2025
US jobs
7k6,700 people
Contact with people
76%how people-facing
Step 1AnticipateWhat is changing? Free to everyone

How the work changes, task by task

The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.

TaskShare of the dayMachines can do2026 to 2035
Provide assistance to extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers and derrick operators20%
3% to 30%
Observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems10%
30% to 75%
Set up and adjust equipment used to excavate geological materials9%
30% to 75%
Repair and maintain automotive and drilling equipment, using hand tools9%
3% to 30%
Clean up work areas and remove debris after extraction activities are complete8%
20% to 60%
Drive moving equipment to transport materials and parts to excavation sites7%
30% to 75%
Unload materials, devices, and machine parts, using hand tools7%
20% to 60%
Organize materials to prepare for use7%
20% to 60%
Step 2AssessWhy should I care? Free to everyone

The skills this job runs on

The skills helpers--extraction workers use most, most used first.

Physical and manualProfessionalism and work ethicTrade craftsOperations and processAdaptability and resilienceCollaboration

Human value: what makes people in this job hard to replace

How much helpers--extraction workers rely on each one, from 0 to 10. 311 estimates, medium confidence.

  • Go-to problem solver4/10
  • Trust and reliability5/10
  • Know-how about the organisation4/10
  • Network and relationships2/10
  • Mentoring and developing others1/10
  • Culture and morale3/10
  • Initiative beyond the role1/10
  • Calm in a crisis4/10
  • Bridge between teams3/10
  • Reputation and influence1/10

Safer jobs nearby

Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.

Step 3ActWhat do I do about it? Free plan and up
What do I do about it

What should you do about it?

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Questions

When will machines do half of the tasks of Helpers--Extraction Workers?

Machines can do half of its tasks by 2034. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.

Will AI take the job of helpers--extraction workers?

Machines can do 18% of the tasks of helpers--extraction workers today and 55% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.

Sources and citing

Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 47-5081.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring, forecast and human value: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit (human value scores are 311 estimates, medium confidence); after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.

Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Helpers--Extraction Workers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/helpers-extraction-workers/