Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of mining and geological engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth for mining and geological engineers will be driven by demand for mining operations. In addition, as companies look for ways to cut costs, they are expected to contract more services with engineering services firms, rather than employ engineers directly.
Employment of geological and hydrologic technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for natural gas is expected to increase demand for geological exploration and extraction in the future.
Pay
According to BLS, the median annual wage for mining and geological engineers was $93,800 in May 2020.
The median annual wage for geological and hydrologic technicians was $50,630 in May 2020.
Here are some occupations within Mining:
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Civil Engineers
- Geological and Hydrologic Technicians
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists
- Geoscientists
- Health and Safety Engineers
- Hydrologists
- Petroleum Engineers
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Surface Maintenance Mechanic
- Analytical Lab Tech