Mining and Geological Engineering Career Outlook

As with any dynamic and engaging field of study, the geological, mineral and mining industries and sciences, the training and education continues well after one has earned their degree. With numerous trade associations, professional networks and academic research societies, such as the American Institute of Professional Geology (AIPG,) American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA,) and Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG,) the field of geological and mine engineering is one of a continually evolving nature, with regular conferences and training programs designed to keep geological professionals on the cutting edge of their chosen pursuits. Combining age old techniques in respect to surveying, exploration and extraction, new technologies continue to emerge in the field, bringing new and exciting methods of research and exploratory prospecting into the hands of professionals and students every year. And as these new technologies and discoveries continue to change the professional landscape for those entering the engineering fields of geology or mining, the increasing demands for raw and precious materials by industry and the public at large have led to an increased demand for well educated, qualified professionals to enter the fields.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS,) “employment of mining and geological engineers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2012 to 2022,” which according to their data puts it on par with most other occupations in terms of projected growth. With the average salary for mine and geological engineering professionals being reported at $86,870 annually (or $41.76 hourly) as of 2013, the range between the lowest and highest paid percentages of the industrial professionals was between approximately $49,000 and $140,000 depending upon industrial focus, employer, position and experience.

A recent 2013 BLS study found that in regards to median salary, differences in respect to specific location also existed. In the metropolitan area of Huston Texas, the annual mean average for geological and mining engineers, including health and safety professionals, was $147,880, with the same occupations earning between $118,450 and $121,350 in the Bakersfield and Oakland California markets, respectively. These salaries, when compared to the $84,140 mean of the St. Louis metropolitan market and the $69,970 measured in the Colorado Springs market, show that sometimes drastic disparities exist in respect to salary, dependent upon location and industrial focus.

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