The median pay for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers is $106,220 a year ($51.07/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 3.8% through 2035, with about 300 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 17-2151
- Architecture and Engineering
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers in four numbers
- Median pay
- $106,220a year, or $51.07/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $67KTop 10% $170K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +3.8%About as fast as averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+3.8%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +3.8% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 3006,200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 20256.2K
- Projected 20356.4K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 6.2K Projected 2035 6.4K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Some college0.6%
- Associate's0.6%
- Bachelor's79.1%
- Post-bacc certificate16.7%
- Master's3%
Highest education held by mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers Segment Value Some college 0.6% Associate's 0.6% Bachelor's 79.1% Post-bacc certificate 16.7% Master's 3%
Also advertised as: Mine Engineer, Mining Consultant, Mining Engineer, Planning Engineer, Project Engineer, Safety Engineer.
Pay
How much do Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers make?
Every mining and geological engineer, including mining safety engineers in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$106,220
Middle half earn $85,280 to $136,590
- 10th
- $67,490
- 25th
- $85,280
- 75th
- $136,590
- 90th
- $169,990
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $67,490 |
| 25th | $85,280 |
| Median | $106,220 |
| 75th | $136,590 |
| 90th | $169,990 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $106,220
- Median hourly wage
- $51.07/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $115,410
- People employed
- 6,080
Versus all US occupations
At $106,220, Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers earn 108% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $55,240 a year.
Versus architecture and engineering occupations
The median is typical for the Architecture and Engineering group, where the middle occupation pays $104,110.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $169,990 or more while the bottom 10% earn $67,490, a gap of 2.5×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 80% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
California posts the highest raw median ($158,130), but once local prices are taken into account Oklahoma leads at $149,881 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1California | $158,130 | $142,820 | 520 |
| 2Oklahoma | $131,660 | $149,881 | 90 |
| 3Utah | $125,520 | $126,962 | 230 |
| 4Alaska | $124,630 | $121,758 | 300 |
| 5Idaho | $123,680 | $129,516 | 110 |
| 6Wyoming | $119,010 | $128,394 | 210 |
| 7Florida | $117,500 | $113,621 | 50 |
| 8Indiana | $113,640 | $121,763 | 60 |
| 9Illinois | $107,690 | $107,735 | N/A |
| 10Nevada | $107,500 | $107,523 | 470 |
Job outlook
Is Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
About as fast as average. +3.8% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers | +3.8% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
About as fast as average
BLS projects employment of Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers to change 3.8% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 200 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 300 openings are projected each year, 4.8% of the 6,200 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment growth for mining and geological engineers will depend on demand for coal, metals, and minerals. These resources are used in many products, including construction materials, electric vehicles, smartphones, and computers. Rising demand for these products may create some jobs for mining and geological engineers. However, increased automation of mining activities is expected to offset some of this growth.
Getting in
How to become a Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers, typically need a bachelor’s degree in mining or geological engineering or a related field to enter the occupation.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers.
- Bachelor's Degree79.1%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate16.7%
- Master's Degree3%
- Some College Courses0.6%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree0.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 79.1% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 16.7% |
| Master's Degree | 3% |
| Some College Courses | 0.6% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 0.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers do?
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 use geological and engineering principles to design ways to safely and efficiently extract minerals and other resources.
Day-to-day tasks
- Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
- Design, implement, and monitor the development of mines, facilities, systems, or equipment.
- Examine maps, deposits, drilling locations, or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, contents, value, and potential profitability of mineral, oil, and gas deposits.
- Prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.
- 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.
- 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.
- Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most mining and geological engineers work full time. The remoteness of some mining locations gives rise to variable schedules and weeks during which they work more hours than usual.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Engineering services28%
- Metal ore mining20%
- Coal mining10%
- State government, excluding education and hospitals8%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Engineering services | 28% |
| Metal ore mining | 20% |
| Coal mining | 10% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 8% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Writing4.0
- Speaking4.0
- Critical Thinking4.0
- Active Listening3.9
- Mathematics3.8
- Monitoring3.8
- Science3.5
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 |
| Writing | 4.0 |
| Speaking | 4.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.0 |
| Active Listening | 3.9 |
| Mathematics | 3.8 |
| Monitoring | 3.8 |
| Science | 3.5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving4.1
- Judgment and Decision Making4.0
- Systems Analysis3.8
- Systems Evaluation3.8
- Coordination3.5
- Time Management3.4
- Instructing3.1
- Operations Analysis3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 4.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 4.0 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.8 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.8 |
| Coordination | 3.5 |
| Time Management | 3.4 |
| Instructing | 3.1 |
| Operations Analysis | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Project management software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 6 |
| Investigative | 6 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
- Realistic6.1
- Investigative5.6
- Conventional4.6
- Enterprising2.8
- Social1.8
- Artistic1.6
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers
O*NET related occupations
- Architecture and Engineering
- Architecture and Engineering
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
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$53,350median a year
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Median annual pay, with mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers highlighted
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960
- Electrical Engineer$120,630
- Environmental Engineer$107,110
- Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers$106,220
- Mechanical Engineer$104,110
- Automotive Engineer$104,110
- Industrial Engineer$102,440
- Civil Engineer$100,840
- Architect$99,280
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,960 |
| Electrical Engineer | $120,630 |
| Environmental Engineer | $107,110 |
| Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers | $106,220 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $104,110 |
| Automotive Engineer | $104,110 |
| Industrial Engineer | $102,440 |
| Civil Engineer | $100,840 |
| Architect | $99,280 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within mining and geological engineer, including mining safety engineers
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers appears on
Questions
Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers: frequently asked questions
How much do Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers make?
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers earn a median of $106,220 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 108% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $51.07/hr. The middle half earn between $85,280 and $136,590. The top 10% earn $169,990 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 79.1% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers a growing career?
It is stable rather than fast-growing: employment is projected to change 3.8% over 2025–2035, about the same as the 3.5% projected across all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 300 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers do?
Mining and geological engineers use geological and engineering principles to design ways to safely and efficiently extract minerals and other resources. A core O*NET task: prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Data base user interface and query software, Document management software.
Which states pay Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers the most?
The highest state medians for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers are California ($158,130), Oklahoma ($131,660), Utah ($125,520) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Oklahoma moves to the top at $149,881.
What personality type suits a Mining and Geological Engineer, Including Mining Safety Engineers?
O*NET scores Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers highest on the Realistic, Investigative and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.