How to become a mining and geological engineer, 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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers do

• Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate technicians, technologists, survey personnel, engineers, scientists or other mine personnel.
• Examine maps, deposits, drilling locations, or mines to determine the location, size, accessibility, contents, value, and potential profitability of mineral, oil, and gas deposits.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Mathematics
• Monitoring
• Science

Is mining and geological engineer, including mining safety engineers a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 108% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• California $158,130
• Oklahoma $131,660
• Utah $125,520
• Alaska $124,630
• Idaho $123,680

Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.