Mining and Geological Engineers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Education Required

High school students interested in entering mining or geological engineering programs in college should take courses in mathematics and science.

Job Outlook

The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 7% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)

Advancement

New mining and geological engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers. In large companies, new engineers also may receive formal classroom or seminar-type training. As engineers gain knowledge and experience, they are assigned more difficult projects and they are given greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions.

Licenses/Certifications

Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as a mining or geological engineer. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires

Median pay: How much do Mining and Geological Engineers make?

$93,720 Annual Salary

$45.06 per hour

Mining and geological engineers design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals such as coal and metals for use in manufacturing and utilities.

What do Mining and Geological Engineers do?

Mining and geological engineers typically do the following:

Design open-pit and underground mines
Supervise the construction of mine shafts and tunnels
Devise methods for transporting minerals to processing plants
Prepare technical reports for miners, engineers, and managers
Monitor mine production to assess the effectiveness of operations
Provide solutions to problems related to land reclamation, water and air pollution, and sustainability
Ensure that mines are operated in safe and environmentally sound ways