Mining and Geological Engineers and Mining Safety Engineers: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Job description

Mining and Geological Engineers and Mining Safety Engineers conduct sub-surface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.

• Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
• Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.
• Test air to detect toxic gases and recommend measures to remove them, such as installation of ventilation shafts.
• Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.

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Salary

Mining and Geological Engineers with little to no experience tend to make between $54550 and $70290 while the more experienced ones can earn over $122020 per year.

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Mining and Geological Engineer and Mining Safety Engineer is to move to a higher paying state like NM. Right now, the highest paying states for Mining and Geological Engineers are NM, CA, FL, AK and CO.

However, a higher pay at NM doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at NM might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Mining and Geological Engineer and Mining Safety Engineer is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.

Requirements

We asked other Mining and Geological Engineers what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Bachelor’s Degree followed by a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Mining and Geological Engineer and Mining Safety Engineer.

What is the job like

70% of Mining and Geological Engineers said they were satisfied with their job and 60% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.

Is this right for me

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

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