Mining and Geological Engineers
O*NET title: Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Also called: Mining and Geological Engineers
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.
Also called: Coal Mine Inspector, Engineer, Exploration Engineer, Field Engineer, Geological Engineer, Geophysical Engineer
Median pay
$106,220
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$67,490 – $169,990
People employed
6,080
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Mining and Geological Engineers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (28 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What mining and geological engineers do
- 01Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
- 02Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.
- 03Test air to detect toxic gases and recommend measures to remove them, such as installation of ventilation shafts.
- 04Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.
- 05Select 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.
- 06Implement and coordinate mine safety programs, including the design and maintenance of protective and rescue equipment and safety devices.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from mining and geological engineers
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers83% · −4%
- Water Resource Specialists80% · group pay
- Materials Scientists77% · +11%
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists77% · group pay
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers75% · group pay
Change into mining and geological engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers83% · $101,920
- Logistics Engineers81% · $82,320
- Water Resource Specialists80% · $167,220
- Hydrologists79% · $96,600
- Surveyors79% · $75,440
Majors that lead here
- Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.