Site work is important for mining engineers.
A mining engineer's job includes such varied work as designing mines, writing reports, visiting job sites and making safety inspections. When the mining has finished, mining engineers help reintegrate the mine site to the natural environment. Modern mining engineers must combine technical and computer skills with knowledge of earth sciences. Career training for a mining engineer includes a minimum of a bachelor's degree, but many engineers also have state licenses or graduate degrees.
High School Preparation
While in high school, prepare for a career as a mining engineer both in class and with extracurricular activities. Classes to emphasize include math, Earth science, chemistry and physics. Take demanding English classes to learn to read and write on difficult topics. Take computer and computer drafting classes as well. Join an engineering club or the Junior Engineering Technical Society, and take part in field activities with an outdoor or environmental club. Find classes or activities under the sponsorship of the local natural history museum.
College Education
A mining engineer needs a minimum of a bachelor's degree, either in mining engineering or in a related field, such as chemical or geological engineering. Choose an engineering school approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) if you eventually hope to qualify for a state license. Sample classes often include geology, metallurgy, Earth materials, resources, mine design and mineral processing. In addition to classroom study, mining engineering programs often offer field training.
Licensing
Many mining engineers, especially those in the public sector, need state licenses. Licensing requirements vary by state, but they generally require an ABET-accredited engineering degree and success on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. After passing this initial exam, the applicant must work for four years as a mining engineer before taking and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam to qualify as a Professional Engineer.
Further Education
Mining engineers need to stay current with changes in technology. Most states require mining engineers to take continuing education units to maintain a Professional Engineer's license. In addition, some mining engineers complete a master's or doctoral degree since many positions, especially in research, require a graduate degree.
Outlook and Earnings
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mining engineers will experience renewed job growth through 2018 as demand for minerals increases and older engineers retire. Those willing to travel or live abroad will have the best job opportunities. The BLS includes the wages of mining safety engineers and geological engineers along with mining engineers in its wage reports. As of May 2009, these engineers earned an average hourly wage of $39.46, which comes to an annual income of $82,080 for a year of full-time work. Their income ranged from $48,400 per year at the 10th percentile to $119,300 at the 90th percentile.
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