Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $106,220/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$67,490$169,990

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +0.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — slower than average.

About 400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Complex Problem SolvingWritingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningMathematicsMonitoringSystems Analysis

Top knowledge areas

Engineering and TechnologyMathematicsEnglish LanguageDesignProduction and ProcessingAdministration and ManagementAdministrativePhysics

Core tasks

• Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.

• Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.

• Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.

• Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.

• Prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.

• Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.

• Supervise, train, and evaluate technicians, technologists, survey personnel, engineers, scientists or other mine personnel.

• Examine maps, deposits, drilling locations, or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, contents, value, and potential profitability of mineral, oil, and gas deposits.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers?

The median pay for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers is $106,220 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers?

Employment for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers is projected to change +0.7% from 2024 to 2034 - slower than average.

What education is typically required for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers?

About 400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.