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Engineering and Architecture

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
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Median pay

$101,020
Median annual pay for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

0.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

7,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Writing
  5. 5Active Listening
  6. 6Mathematics

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Engineering and Technology
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Design
  5. 5Production and Processing
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Category Flexibility
  2. 2Deductive Reasoning
  3. 3Inductive Reasoning
  4. 4Information Ordering
  5. 5Oral Comprehension
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Processing Information
  6. 6Analyzing Data or Information

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  5. 5Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  6. 6Freedom to Make Decisions

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.
  • Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.
  • 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.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · in demandAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D · in demandBentley MicroStation · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandSAP software · hot technologyOracle Database · hot technologyMySQL · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Project · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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