Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety 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.
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers earn a median of $51.07/hr — about $106,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $32.45/hr; the top 10% earn $81.73/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
The feel of the work
Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 1.7% of mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, analytical and organized and detail-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Environmental Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
- Electrical Engineers
Quick questions
- How much does a mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineer make?
- The median pay is $51.07 per hour — roughly $106,000 a year, with the real range running from about $32.45/hr (10th percentile) to $81.73/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineer?
- The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
- What does a mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineer actually do all day?
- 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.
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