Job Description

Mining (and geological) engineers find, extract, and prepare coal, metals, and minerals for use by manufacturing industries and utilities. They frequently specialize in the mining of one mineral or metal, such as coal or gold.

Necessary Education

Bachelor's Degree

Helpful High School Courses

Science, Mathematics, Computer Applications

Working Conditions

• Since job opportunities may be better worldwide than within the United States, mining engineers should be prepared for the possibility of frequent travel or even living abroad
  
• Usually employed at the location of natural deposits. Those in research and development, management, consulting, or sales, though, are often located in metropolitan areas
  

Salary Range

• 2003, National average annual salary, $67,200
  
• 2003, National average hourly wage, $32.31
  

Career Ladder Information

• Mining engineers mostly work in the mining industry, other positions are in government agencies and engineering consulting firms

Personal Qualities and Interests

      You are:

• Like to solve problems
  
• Work well with others
  
• Are interested in protecting the environment
  

Did you know?

• Employment of mining engineers is expected to decrease, due to the decline in most of the industries in which mining engineers are concentrated - such as coal, metal, mineral mining; and stone, clay, and glass products manufacturing

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco
  
• The Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.: http://www.smenet.org

  
  

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