Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers
SOC Code: 17-2151
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $101,020 and +0.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 7,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers (SOC 17-2151) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 7,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +0.7% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $101,020, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
- 2. Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.
- 3. Test air to detect toxic gases and recommend measures to remove them, such as installation of ventilation shafts.
- 4. Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.
- 5. Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.
- 6. Implement and coordinate mine safety programs, including the design and maintenance of protective and rescue equipment and safety devices.
- 7. Devise solutions to problems of land reclamation and water and air pollution, such as methods of storing excavated soil and returning exhausted mine sites to natural states.
- 8. Prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.
- 9. Lay out, direct, and supervise mine construction operations, such as the construction of shafts and tunnels.
- 10. Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.
Key Skills Required
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Monitoring
- Systems Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Physics
- Economics and Accounting
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers?
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers has an AI exposure score of 29%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers is projected to grow by 0.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 7,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers?
Key skills for Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers include Complex Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers earn?
The median annual wage for Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers is $101,020, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers?
The typical entry-level education for Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers?
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).