Mining engineers
work to produce minerals and other materials from within the earth. For example, a mining engineer may work for companies that produce coal, copper or iron ore. Mine engineering is one of the highest paid professions that a person can qualify for with a bachelor's level degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, like other occupations, the salary that a mining engineer may earn will vary depending on a number of factors.
General Salary
As of May 2010, the mean annual wage for mining and geological engineers was $87,350 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, there are considerable differences between the highest and lowest paid mining engineers. The lowest ten percent of mining engineers earn about $49,000 per year, while the highest ten percent earn about $129,000 per year. Mining engineers generally receive compensation packages that include paid leave and health insurance in addition to wages.
Starting Salaries
The starting salaries for new graduates from mining engineering programs are lower than the mean salary for all engineers as these figures include the salaries of experienced engineers. The starting salary of graduates with a bachelor's degree from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is about $63,000 per year, while graduates from the Missouri University of Science and Technology average a starting salary of about $60,000.
Though most mining engineers hold a bachelor's degree, those with a master's degree will generally start at a higher salary. Starting salaries for graduates with a master's degree in mining engineering are over $80,000 per year, according to the American Geological Institute.
Geographical Influences
As with other careers, the salary of mining engineers varies depending on the area where the engineer works due to factors that include regional demand and the availability of qualified engineers. For example, engineers in Illinois, California and Texas make over $110,000 per year, while those in West Virginia and Pennsylvania make about $75,000 and $64,000 per year respectively. More specifically mining engineers in the Chicago, Illinois, metropolitan area earn about $130,000 per year, while those in the Johnstown, Pennsylvania, metropolitan area earn about $67,000 per year.
Industry Influences
A mining engineer's salary also varies depending on the specific mining industry in which he works. For example, mining engineers in metal ore extraction earn about $83,000 per year, while those engineers working in coal mines will earn about $80,000. The metal ore extraction and coal mining industries are the two largest employers of mining engineers. Both of these industries pay less than the mean annual wage for this job classification, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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