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.
SOC: 17-2151.00
Common Job Titles
Mine Engineer
Mining Consultant
Mining Engineer
Project Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign ground support systems and extraction processes applying engineering principles and safety standards for environmentally sound underground construction.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate mine safety programs and operational protocols coordinating with interdisciplinary teams to address complex problem-solving scenarios.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize geological survey data with production and processing requirements using specialized mining software such as Vulcan or MineSight to optimize extraction strategies.
Advanced
KnowledgeDevelop mine development plans and extraction schedules coordinating multi-disciplinary engineering teams and managing financial resources independently.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate geological conditions and subsurface characteristics for mining site development using survey data and geographic information systems to ensure safe and economical extraction.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze mine safety data and hazard assessments to identify unsafe geological conditions and equipment risks in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess mining equipment specifications and ground support requirements using CAD software and engineering calculations under time and resource constraints.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate surveying equipment and GPS receivers conducting field surveys to measure subsurface conditions and geological formations.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute site inspections of mining operations and underground structures following established safety protocols to identify hazardous working conditions.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for safe mining practices and environmental stewardship when consulting with stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and operational teams.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret technical engineering specifications and regulatory compliance standards communicating findings to supervisors, subordinates, and external stakeholders.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate personnel safety priorities with production efficiency goals when negotiating project timelines and resource allocation with management.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
6,770
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $62,500. 25th percentile: U.S. $81,040. 50th percentile: U.S. $101,020. 75th percentile: U.S. $129,860. 90th percentile: U.S. $163,740. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$62,500
10% of workers earn the following or more
$163,740
Workers on average earn
$108,940
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Engineering and Technology4.5/5
Mathematics4.4/5
English Language3.6/5
Production and Processing3.6/5
Design3.6/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
