Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Mining and geological engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mining or geological engineering or a related field to enter the occupation. PayThe median annual wage for mining and geological engineers was $106,220 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of mining and geological engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 300 openings for mining and geological engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mining and geological engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mining and geological engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about mining and geological engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for mining and geological engineers was $106,220 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of mining and geological engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 300 openings for mining and geological engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mining and geological engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mining and geological engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about mining and geological engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of mining and geological engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 300 openings for mining and geological engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mining and geological engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mining and geological engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about mining and geological engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Mining and geological engineers use geological and engineering principles to design ways to safely and efficiently extract minerals and other resources.
Work Environment
Many mining and geological engineers work at mining operations, such as mineral mines or sand-and-gravel quarries, in remote areas or near cities and towns. Others work in offices or onsite for engineering services firms. Most work full time.
How to Become a Mining or Geological Engineer
Mining and geological engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mining or geological engineering or a related field to enter the occupation.
Pay
The median annual wage for mining and geological engineers was $106,220 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of mining and geological engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 300 openings for mining and geological engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mining and geological engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mining and geological engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about mining and geological engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Many mining and geological engineers work at mining operations, such as mineral mines or sand-and-gravel quarries, in remote areas or near cities and towns. Others work in offices or onsite for engineering services firms. Most work full time.
How to Become a Mining or Geological Engineer
Mining and geological engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mining or geological engineering or a related field to enter the occupation.
Pay
The median annual wage for mining and geological engineers was $106,220 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of mining and geological engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 300 openings for mining and geological engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mining and geological engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mining and geological engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about mining and geological engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mining and geological engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mining and geological engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about mining and geological engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about mining and geological engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.