The modern economy relies upon natural resources, such as coal, metals and minerals for energy and as building materials for products ranging from computers to action figures. Mineral or geological engineers use technical knowledge to find and prepare sites for the extraction of raw materials, such as designing and overseeing the construction of mines and developing mining equipment.
Average Income
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that a bachelor's degree in engineering is adequate for many engineering jobs although some positions may require advanced degrees. Bureau data show that the average annual income of mining and geological engineers was $87,350 in May 2010. This income level translates to an average hourly wage of $41.99. The median income of workers in the occupation was $82,870, which means half of workers earned more than $82,870 and half earned less.
Income Range
Wages can vary significantly from one worker to another depending on experience and expertise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the top 10 percent of income earners in the field of mining and geological engineering made $129,700 or more in May 2010 while the bottom 10 percent of income earners made $48,950 or less. Half of all workers in the occupation earned between $63,700 and $103,640.
Top Industries
A variety of different industries employ engineers, which can have an impact on earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that mining and geological engineers working in architectural services made $86,030 a year on average in May 2010, those working in metal ore mining made $83,650, those working in coal mining made $80,060 and those working in nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying made $76,090. Workers employed in the oil and gas extraction industry earned $116,280 on average.
Top States
The Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that the highest paying states for mining and geological engineers in May 2010 were Illinois, California and Texas. Workers in these states earned more than $111,000 a year on average. States with high concentrations of mining and geological engineers were Wyoming, where workers earned $81,480 on average and West Virginia, where workers earned $75,560 on average.
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