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Which studies lead to becoming a Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers?

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Tech & EngineeringStable

Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers

Mid-level

Also known as: Coal Mine Inspector, Engineer, Exploration Engineer, Field Engineer

Tech & EngineeringBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.
Mining EngineeringGeological EngineeringMining SafetyGeotechnical EngineeringEngineeringEnvironmental ScienceSafety ManagementSTEMTechnical

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the mine's main office, the morning chill still in the air. Your first task is always to check the SCADA system, reviewing overnight sensor readings from ground stability monitors deep underground. Several new emails regarding a proposed expansion project for the copper vein demand your attention, alongside an alert about recent borehole data. You log into AutoCAD Civil 3D to pull up the existing mine layout and start cross-referencing new geological survey reports.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Autodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DBentley MicroStationMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordMySQLOracle DatabaseSAP software
In-demand software
Autodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DBentley MicroStationMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPoint

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+3.8%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

300

per year (US)

Jobs today

6,200

in 2025 → 6,400 (2035)

Typical entry education

Bachelor's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
High
Working outdoors
Moderate
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The outlook for Mining and Geological Engineers is stable, with about 300 job openings expected each year through 2035. The field is projected to grow by 3.8%. A bachelor's degree is typically needed to start, and you can advance to roles like Senior Mining Engineer or Mine Manager, earning a median annual wage of $106,220.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Geological Technician
  • Survey Technician
  • Mining Technician

Where it can lead

  • Senior Mining Engineer
  • Chief Geologist
  • Mine Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly enhance this career by enabling more precise subsurface mapping through machine learning algorithms processing vast geological data. It will optimize mine planning, safety protocols, and resource extraction efficiency, potentially automating routine inspections and aiding in risk assessment. This will shift engineers' focus towards AI system management, data interpretation, and complex problem-solving.

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Salary

$106,220

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Mining Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Surveying Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Civil Engineering, General

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Construction Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Metallurgical Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

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