Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
O*NET 17-2151.00 · SOC 17-2151
Mining and Geological Engineer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $106k a year with +3.8% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 300 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Design mine layouts and excavation plans for safe ore extraction.
- →Inspect underground or surface mine sites for safety hazards.
- →Evaluate geological survey data to locate viable mineral deposits.
- →Develop blasting plans and oversee controlled explosives operations.
- →Monitor mine ventilation systems to maintain safe air quality levels.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Mining and Geological Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Mining and Geological Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Mining and Geological Engineer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Mining and Geological Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers is projected to grow 3.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·32% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Mining and Geological Engineer make?
The median Mining and Geological Engineer earns $106k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Mining and Geological Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Mining and Geological Engineer at 38 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 32% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Mining and Geological Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Mining and Geological Engineer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Mining and Geological Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Mining and Geological Engineer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Mining and Geological Engineer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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