Mining and Geological Engineer

What a Mining and Geological Engineer Does

If you've ever wondered how manufacturing companies get the coal and minerals for their projects, then you've thought about the job of a mining and geological engineer. These engineers are responsible for locating and then extracting these minerals and materials for the manufacturing companies helping support the manufacturing industry and also the mining industry. Mining and geological engineers design and oversee the construction of mines and mine shafts, considering important factors like safety, environmental regulations, and efficient transport. In addition, mining and geological engineers design mining equipment for the miners to use and work with officials and managers to minimize air and water pollution and adhere to certain legal standards and regulations. If you want to become a mining and geological engineer, you will most likely specialize in one type of material or mineral, and its extraction.

How to Become a Mining and Geological Engineer

You will need a bachelor's degree in engineering for this occupation. Whiel your college or university may not offer a specific degree in mining and geological engineering, it is okay to major in general engineering, and then take classes in the physical sciences, including chemistry, environmental sciences, and geology. Make sure that your program is accredited by the ABET, or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, and Depending on your employer, you may need to become licensed. First, you will take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and then after enough work experience, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. After becoming a Professional Engineer (PE) you can become a contractor and also be certified to work directly with the public.

Career Outlook for Mining and Geological Engineers

Mining and geological engineers held about 7,100 jobs out of 1.6 million total engineering jobs in the United States in 2008, but are still one of the fastest-growing career choices for engineers. The job outlook for engineering as a whole is healthy, and about 1,100 new mining and engineering jobs are expected to be added through 2018, which is a 15% increase in job growth. That increase is much faster than the national average and is due in part to a recovery from a previous decline in mining and geological engineering jobs and retiring engineers in that field. Graduates of specific mining and geological engineering programs will have the best job outlook, as that focus area is still rare in American higher education. The median annual wage for mining and geological engineers was $75,960 in May 2008, and the middle 50% earned between $57,970 and $96,030. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average starting salary for new bachelor's degree-holding engineers in mining and mineral engineering was $64,404, one of the highest in engineering.