Mining and geological engineers design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals such as coal and metals for use in manufacturing and utilities.

Mining engineers work mostly in mining operations in remote locations. However, some work in sand-and-gravel operations located near large cities.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited engineering program is required to become a mining or geological engineer.

Employment of mining and geological engineers is projected to grow slower than average from 2020 to 2030, about about 400 openings per year. 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 firms, rather than employ engineers directly.

This occupation supported 7,900 jobs in 2012 and 8,300 jobs in 2014, but only 6,300 jobs in 2020.

future employment trends are worse than the expected 2012 trend. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 12.7% in 2022 to 8,900 jobs. In 2020, the projected increase is 4%, below the national growth average.

The lower trend is expected due to outsourcing. More mining companies will employ engineering service firms, rather than directly employ mining and geoogical engineers on staff.