Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Mining and geological engineers use geological and engineering principles to design ways to safely and efficiently extract minerals and other resources.
Is mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers a good career?
It scores 20/100 and ranks #324 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($106,220 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+0.7%)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers earn between $85,280 and $136,590 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers jobs
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When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers openings will appear here — each shown against the $106,220 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
High school students interested in becoming a mining or geological engineer should take classes in math and science.
College students typically pursue a bachelor’s degree in mining or geological engineering or a related field. Employers sometimes hire candidates who have degrees in fields such as civil or environmental engineering or geosciences.
Bachelor’s degree programs in mining engineering may include courses in geology, thermodynamics, and mine design and safety. Bachelor’s degree programs in geological engineering may include courses in geology, chemistry, and fluid mechanics. Both types of programs also include laboratory and field work, along with academic study.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Licensure is not required for entry-level mining and geological engineers.
Experienced engineers may obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which allows them to oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public.
State licensure generally requires a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited engineering program, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, several years of relevant work experience, and a passing score on the PE exam.
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
Engineers may advance to become technical specialists or supervisors. Some workers may go on to become engineering managers, overseeing a team of engineers and technicians.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Mining and geological engineers must take many factors into account when evaluating new mine locations and designing facilities. They also must plan for the restoration of the surrounding environment after operations end.
Detail oriented. Mining and geological engineers must ensure that engineering plans and instructions are accurate and safe.
Organizational skills. In planning mines’ operations, mineral processing, and environmental reclamation, these engineers must 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 work on complex projects that require the ability to anticipate and resolve problems as they arise.
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.
Related occupations
How much do mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers make?
The national median wage is $106,220 a year, with the middle half earning between $85,280 and $136,590 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 20 of 100 and ranks #324 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +0.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineer?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($158,130). Local pay for every state and metro is below.