Career comparison
Mining Engineer vs. Roof Bolter
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Mining engineers earn more at the median ($106,220 vs. $78,540), while roof bolters usually get to work faster (Months of on-the-job training of training). Mining engineers design safe, efficient mines to extract minerals and metals. Roof bolters install bolts that hold up the roof in underground mines.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Mining Engineer | Roof Bolter | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $106,220 ($51.07/hr) | $78,540 ($37.76/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $67,490 – $169,990 | $63,750 – $92,830 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.8% (about as fast as average) | -18.9% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 300 | 100 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 4-year engineering degree | Months of on-the-job training |
| Key credential | PE license | MSHA Part 48 |
| Work setting | Mining engineers work at mine sites and in offices, often in remote areas.. | Roof bolters work underground in mines.. |
What each job does
Mining Engineer
- Design mines
- Plan production
- Design ventilation
- Plan ground support
- Estimate costs
Roof Bolter
- Drill roof holes
- Install bolts
- Install mesh
- Test roof conditions
- Follow ground control plans
How they’re similar
Both careers involve high-pay and high responsibility. Both are part of the energy & utilities field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose mining engineer if…
- I like geology and engineering
- I don’t mind remote sites
- I care about safety
Choose roof bolter if…
- I can work underground
- I take safety seriously
- I like machines
Still torn? Take the Mining Engineer fit quiz and the Roof Bolter fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, mining engineer or roof bolter?
Mining Engineers earn more at the median: $106,220 versus $78,540 for roof bolters, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Roof Bolters typically train faster (Months of on-the-job training) than mining engineers (4-year engineering degree).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects mining engineers to grow +3.8% from 2025–35, compared with -18.9% for roof bolters.