Mining and geological engineers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$101,020
~$49/hr · ~$8,418/mo
US Jobs
7K
Slower than average
AI & Automation Risk
6/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 6/10
Mining and geological engineering involves a significant amount of digital knowledge work, including mine design, technical reporting, and data analysis, which are highly susceptible to AI-driven productivity gains. However, the role also requires substantial physical presence for site evaluations, safety inspections, and supervising construction in remote, unpredictable environments, which provides a buffer against full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CABEST VALUE | $158,760 | Above avg (109.1) | $145,530 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $163,490 | Above avg (117.6) | $139,080 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $142,520 | Above avg (114.7) | $124,202 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $115,270 | Average (97.1) | $118,658 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $110,590 | Below avg (94.7) | $116,841 |
| Richmond, VA | $111,790 | Average (98.3) | $113,681 |
| Tucson, AZ | $107,330 | Below avg (94.9) | $113,060 |
| Birmingham, AL | $103,280 | Below avg (91.8) | $112,548 |
| Columbus, OH | $105,590 | Below avg (94.6) | $111,582 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $102,910 | Below avg (92.5) | $111,253 |
| Billings, MT | $99,830 | Below avg (90.3) | $110,493 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $104,970 | Below avg (95.6) | $109,805 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $94,080 | Below avg (87.2) | $107,913 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $110,540 | Above avg (104.7) | $105,602 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $98,880 | Below avg (94.7) | $104,407 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+1% (Slower than average)
Hourly Rate
~$49/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,418/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)