Mining Engineer

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Work Tasks

• Find and take out metals and minerals from mines
• Make open pit and underground mines and make sure safety rules are followed
• Find ways to bring minerals to processing plants
• Design new mining equipment and find ways to mine which are better for the environment
• Work for the mining industry, engineering consulting firms, the government, and manufacturers
• Work with mineral deposits, blasting tools, drilling, transporting, testing, and safety equipment

Salary, Size & Growth

• $82,000 average per year ($39.50 per hour)
• A small occupation (6,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in engineering
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in mining engineering
• Certification/Licensing: Registration may be needed, which requires a degree, 4 years experience, and passing 2 tests.