Geological engineers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Geological engineers search for mineral deposits and evaluate possible sites. Once a site is identified, they plan how the metals or minerals will be extracted in efficient and environmentally sound ways.
- Education Required
- High school students interested in entering mining or geological engineering programs in college should take courses in mathematics and science.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 7% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- New mining and geological engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers. In large companies, new engineers also may receive formal classroom or seminar-type training. As engineers gain knowledge and experience, they are assigned more difficult projects and they are given greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions.
- Licenses/Certifications
- Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as a mining or geological engineer. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in ones career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
- Median pay: How much do Mining and Geological Engineers make?
- $93,720 Annual Salary
- $45.06 per hour
Careers for Mining and Geological Engineers
- Geophysical engineers
- Mineral engineers
- Mining engineers
- Mining safety engineers
- Seismic engineers