Mining Engineer Salary in 2026
Design mines and develop methods for extracting minerals safely and efficiently.
Median Salary
$106,220
$8,852/mo
Entry Level
$71,600
starting pay
Senior Level
$147,800
experienced
Job Growth
+2%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers (SOC 17-2151) at a national median of $106,220 per year (mean $115,410), or $51.07 per hour, with 6,080 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Mining Engineer Overview
Design mines and develop methods for extracting minerals safely and efficiently.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
6K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$51.07/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,852
Mining Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Mining Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Mining Engineer Salary
$122,000
$10,167/month · $4,692/biweekly · $58.65/hr
Mining Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Mining Engineer field.
Entry-level Mining Engineers earn around $71,600, while the top 10% earn $165,100 or more.
Top Paying States for Mining Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $112,000 | +$5,780 |
| Nevada | $105,000 | $-1,220 |
| Arizona | $103,000 | $-3,220 |
| Utah | $103,000 | $-3,220 |
| West Virginia | $93,000 | $-13,220 |
Top Paying Cities for Mining Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | $113,000 | +$6,780 |
| Reno | $106,000 | $-220 |
| Charleston | $106,000 | $-220 |
| Phoenix | $103,000 | $-3,220 |
| Salt Lake City | $103,000 | $-3,220 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Mining Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Mining Engineer from entry level to expert.
$71,600
0-2 years
$110,000
3-7 years
$147,800
8-14 years
$182,400
15+ years
Related Engineering Jobs
Mining Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Mining Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Mining Engineer in the United States is $106,220 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers (SOC 17-2151); the mean is $115,410. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $71,600, senior professionals around $147,800, and top earners at $182,400 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Mining Engineer?
A Mining Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Mine Planning, Rock Mechanics, Blasting. Relevant certifications such as PE License can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Mining Engineers?
The job market for Mining Engineers is projected to grow by 2% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 6K Mining Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 10%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Mining Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Mining Engineers include Nevada, Arizona, Utah. In Nevada, the median salary is approximately $105,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Mining Engineer salary?
To increase your Mining Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Mine Planning and Rock Mechanics. Pursue certifications such as PE License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Reno. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $71,600 to $147,800 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Mining Engineer Salary
How we calculate Mining Engineer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers (SOC 17-2151), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $106,220, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers; BLS mean $115,410; BLS hourly median $51.07.
- Entry-level ($71,600) and senior-level ($147,800) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +2% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 6,080 Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 10% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Engineering sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $106,220; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Mining Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Mining Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Mining Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Mine Planning, Rock Mechanics, Blasting), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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