Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers
SOC Code: 17-2151Also known as:
Coal Mine Inspector, Engineer, Exploration Engineer, Field Engineer, Geological Engineer
Median Annual Salary
$101,020
+0.7% growth (2024-2034)
400
Openings/Year
7K
Current Jobs
What Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$101,020
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.7%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
400
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
7,000
Projected Employment (2034)
7,000
Related Careers
Industrial production managers
$121,440 •
+1.9% growth
Civil engineers
$99,590 •
+5.0% growth
Industrial engineers
$101,140 •
+11.0% growth
Petroleum engineers
$141,280 •
+1.3% growth
Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians
$48,390 •
+1.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Complex Problem Solving
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Design, implement, and monitor the development of mines, facilities, systems, or equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers:
Geological/Geophysical Engineering
313 degrees awarded •
18 colleges offer this program
Mining and Mineral Engineering
285 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
21 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers make?
The median annual salary for mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers is $101,020.
What education do mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers need?
Most mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Geological/Geophysical Engineering, Mining and Mineral Engineering, Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering.
Is becoming mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers a good career choice?
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers is projected to see +0.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers?
Top colleges for aspiring mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers include
University of California-Los Angeles, Columbia University in the City of New York, The University of Texas at Austin, University of California-San Diego, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers?
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers may also be known as: Coal Mine Inspector, Engineer, Exploration Engineer, Field Engineer, Geological Engineer, Geophysical Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Geotechnical Project Engineer, Metal Mine Inspector, Mine Analyst, Mine Development Engineer, Mine Engineer, Mine Environmental Engineer, Mine Expert, Mine Exploration Engineer, Mine Production Engineer, Mine Safety Engineer, Mineral Engineer, Mining and Oil Well Equipment Research Engineer, Mining and Tunneling Project Engineer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.