Geoscientist
Study the Earth’s rocks, water and processes to find resources and reduce hazards.
- $101,920
- 4-year degree plus field camp
Energy & Utilities career
Mining Engineer
Also called: Mine Engineer · Mine Planning Engineer · Geological Engineer · Mine Ventilation Engineer
What mining engineers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a mining engineer do?
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers, design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals such as coal, metals and other materials. The median pay is $106,220 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4-year engineering degree, and employment is projected to grow +3.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$106,220$51.07/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.8%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4-year engineering degreeTypical program length
- U.S. jobs6,200Employment, 2025
What mining engineers do
Mining engineers plan how to get resources out of the ground. They design open-pit and underground mines, plan production, design ventilation and ground support, manage equipment and costs, and work on safety and reclamation. Battery minerals like lithium and copper are driving new demand.
A bachelor’s degree in mining or geological engineering is required. Pay is high, and many jobs are in remote areas.
Typical duties
- Design mines
- Plan production
- Design ventilation
- Plan ground support
- Estimate costs
- Ensure safety
- Plan reclamation
Work environment and schedule
Mining engineers work at mine sites and in offices, often in remote areas.
Schedule: Full time, sometimes rotations at remote sites.
A day in the life
- Morning safety meeting.
- Inspect a pit wall.
- Update the mine plan.
- Meet the drill and blast team.
See a full day in the life of a mining engineer →
Mining Engineer salary
Half of mining engineers earned more than $106,220 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $67,490 for the lowest 10% to $169,990 for the top 10%.
Full mining engineer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a mining engineer
- Earn a mining engineering degree
- Do summer mine internships
- Join as a mine engineer
- Earn PE
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in mining or geological engineering is required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a mining engineer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Mine design
- Geology
- Ventilation
- Rock mechanics
- Mine planning software
People skills
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Safety focus
- Communication
All mining engineer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay
- Battery minerals demand
- Field and office mix
- Big operations
Cons
- Remote locations
- Industry cycles
- Safety pressure
- Rotations away from home
Certifications and licenses
- PE license: Optional but valued.
- MSHA training: Required at mines.
- SME registration: Society for Mining.
- Master’s: For advanced roles.
Career path
- Mine Engineer: Entry.
- Senior Engineer: Lead.
- Chief Engineer: Lead engineering.
- Mine Manager: Run mine.
Learn the job before day one
Our Mining Engineer training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as plan an open-pit bench sequence and check underground ventilation, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Mining Engineer vs. Geoscientist · Mining Engineer vs. Surface Mining Equipment Operator · Mining Engineer vs. Civil Engineer · Mining Engineer vs. Petroleum Engineer
Mining Engineer FAQ
Is mining engineering in demand?
Battery and critical minerals are driving demand.
Is pay high?
Yes, BLS reports high median pay.
Are jobs remote?
Many are at remote mine sites.
How much does a mining engineer make?
The median annual wage for mining engineers was $106,220 ($51.07 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $67,490 and the highest 10% earned more than $169,990.
How long does it take to become a mining engineer?
Most people need about 4-year engineering degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in mining or geological engineering is required.
Do you need a degree to be a mining engineer?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More mining engineer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-2151 (Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.