### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Mining and Geological Engineers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			mining and geological engineers imageMining engineers and geological engineers ensure that mines are operated in safe and environmentally sound ways.							
						Quick Facts:     Mining and Geological Engineers2023     Median Pay
            						$100,640     per year
										$48.39     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    7,500Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    0% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    0What Mining and Geological Engineers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Mining and geological engineers design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals for use in manufacturing and utilities.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Many mining and geological engineers work where mining operations are located, such as mineral mines or sand-and-gravel quarries, in remote areas or near cities and towns. Others work in offices or onsite for oil and gas extraction firms or engineering services firms.
            
                                                How to Become a Mining or Geological Engineer
                                                
                        
Mining and geological engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering to enter the occupation.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for mining and geological engineers was $100,640 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of mining and geological engineers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 400 openings for mining and geological engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mining and geological engineers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mining and geological engineers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about mining and geological engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Mining and Geological Engineers Do 
            

			Mining and geological engineersMining and geological engineers prepare technical reports for miners, engineers, and managers.			
Mining and geological engineers design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals such as coal and metals for use in manufacturing and utilities.
Duties
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***Geological engineers*** search for mineral deposits and evaluate possible sites. Once a site is identified, they plan how the metals or minerals will be extracted in efficient and environmentally sound ways.
***Mining engineers*** often specialize in one particular mineral or metal, such as coal or gold. They typically design and develop mines and determine the best way to extract metal or minerals to get the most out of deposits.
Some mining engineers work with geoscientists and metallurgical engineers to find and evaluate ore deposits. Other mining engineers develop new equipment or direct mineral-processing operations to separate minerals from dirt, rock, and other materials.
***Mining safety engineers*** use best practices and their knowledge of mine design to ensure workers’ safety and to maintain compliance with state and federal safety regulations. They inspect the walls and roofs of mines, monitor the air quality, and examine mining equipment for possible hazards.
Engineers who hold a master’s or a doctoral degree may teach engineering at colleges and universities. For more information, see the profile on postsecondary teachers.
 Work Environment
			Mining and geological engineersMining and geological engineers must visit the worksite to keep close watch on the progression of their designs.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Mining and geological engineers held about 7,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of mining and geological engineers were as follows:
        Engineering services
                35%Metal ore mining
                14Coal mining
                9Support activities for mining
                6Oil and gas extraction
                3Many work where mining operations are located, such as mineral mines or sand-and-gravel quarries, in remote areas or near cities and towns. Others work in offices or onsite for oil and gas extraction firms or engineering services firms.
Work Schedules
Most mining and geological engineers work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week. The remoteness of some mining locations gives rise to variable schedules and weeks during which they work more hours than usual.
 How to Become a Mining or Geological Engineer

			Mining and geological engineersA bachelor’s degree from an accredited engineering program is required to become a mining or geological engineer.			
Mining and geological engineers, including a mining safety engineers, typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering to enter the occupation.
Education
High school students interested in studying mining or geological engineering should take classes in math and science.
College students typically get a degree in an engineering field. Because relatively few schools offer programs in mining engineering or geological engineering, a degree in civil or environmental engineering or geoscience is often acceptable. Bachelor’s degree programs in mining engineering typically include courses in geology, thermodynamics, and mine design and safety. Bachelor’s degree programs in geological engineering typically include courses in geology, chemistry, and fluid mechanics. Both types of programs also include laboratory and field work, along with academic study.
Employers may prefer to hire mining and geological engineering candidates who have graduated from a program accredited by a professional association such as ABET.
Master’s degree programs in mining and geological engineering typically are 2-year programs and include coursework in specialized subjects, such as mineral resource development and mining regulations. Some programs require a written thesis for graduation.
Important Qualities
***Analytical skills.*** Mining and geological engineers must take many factors into account when evaluating new mine locations and designing facilities. They must also plan for the restoration of the surrounding environment after operations end.
***Decision-making skills.*** These engineers make decisions that influence many critical outcomes—from worker safety to mine production. The ability to anticipate problems and deal with them immediately is crucial.
***Logical-thinking skills.*** In planning mines’ operations, mineral processing, and environmental reclamation, these engineers have to put work plans into a coherent, logical sequence.
***Math skills.*** Mining and geological engineers use the principles of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Mining and geological engineers must explore for potential mines, plan their operations and mineral processing, and design environmental reclamation projects. These are all complex projects requiring an ability to identify and work toward goals, while solving problems along the way.
***Writing skills.*** Mining and geological engineers must prepare reports and instructions for other workers. Therefore, they must be able to write clearly so that others can easily understand their ideas and plans.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
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
A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) examThe initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering.
In several states, engineers must earn continuing education credits to keep their licenses. Most states recognize licenses from other states, provided that licensure requirements in the other states meet or exceed the first state’s own requirements.
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.
Engineers may advance to become technical specialists or supervise a staff or team of engineers and technicians. Some eventually become engineering managers or enter other managerial or sales jobs. In sales, an engineering background enables them to discuss a product's technical aspects and to assist in product planning, installation, and use. For more information, see the profiles on architectural and engineering managers and sales engineers.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Mining and Geological EngineersMedian annual wages, May 2023Engineers$102,660  Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers$100,640  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for mining and geological engineers was $100,640 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,150, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $160,820.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for mining and geological engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Oil and gas extraction
                $171,860Metal ore mining
                102,700Coal mining
                100,240Engineering services
                98,760Support activities for mining
                96,500Most mining and geological engineers work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week. The remoteness of some mining locations gives rise to variable schedules and weeks during which they work more than usual.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Mining and Geological EngineersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Engineers7%  Total, all occupations3%  Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers0%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of mining and geological engineers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 400 openings for mining and geological engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Employment growth for mining and geological engineers will depend on demand for coal, metals, and minerals. These resources are used in many products, including construction materials, electric vehicles, smartphones, and computers. Rising demand for these products may create some jobs for mining and geological engineers. However, decreased demand for coal and increased automation of mining activities are expected to offset some of this growth.
			

                        Employment projections data for     mining and geological engineers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers**
			17-2151
			7,500
			7,600
			0
			0
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of mining and geological engineers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Architectural and Engineering Managers**
            Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering.
            Bachelor's degree
            $165,370**Civil Engineers**
            Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects.
            Bachelor's degree
            $95,890**Environmental Scientists and Specialists**
            Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $78,980**Geological and Hydrologic Technicians**
            Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources.
            Associate's degree
            $53,440**Geoscientists**
            Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,580**Hydrologists**
            Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.
            Bachelor's degree
            $88,770**Mechanical Engineers**
            Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.
            Bachelor's degree
            $99,510**Petroleum Engineers**
            Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface.
            Bachelor's degree
            $135,690**Sales Engineers**
            Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses.
            Bachelor's degree
            $116,950**Health and Safety Engineers**
            Health and safety engineers combine knowledge of engineering and of health and safety to develop procedures and design systems to protect people from illness and injury and property from damage.
            Bachelor's degree
            $103,690
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about mining and geological engineers, visit
Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration
For information about general engineering education and career resources, visit
American Society for Engineering Education
Technology Student Association
For more information about licensure as a mining or geological engineer, visit
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
National Society of Professional Engineers
For information about accredited engineering programs, visit
ABET

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Mining and Geological Engineers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mining-and-geological-engineers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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