If you have just come across this posting, welcome. It seems to rank high with Google. The topic being mining salaries, wages, and executive compensation that is understandable. There is indeed information on salaries in this posting, so please read on. May I, however, urge you also to take a look at more recent postings on this blog on mining salaries, wages, benefits, and executive compensation. Here are some links:
- 2013 Survey Mexican Mine Wages
- 2013 Survey Mexican Mine Salaries
- 2012 Survey U.S. Metal and Industrial Mineral Mine Wages
- 2012 Survey U.S. metal and Industrial Mineral Mine Salaries
- South African Mine Salaries, 2012 Survey
- African Mine Salaries, 2012 Survey
- 2012 Survey Canadian Mine Salaries
- 2012 Survey Canadian Mine Wages
- US and Canadian Mine CEO Compensation 2011 to 2012
- 2012 to 2012 Junior Mining Company Executive Compensation
- U.S. Coal Mine Wages for 2011
- U.S. Metal and Industrial Mineral Mine Wages for 2011
- U.S. Metal and Industrial Mineral Mine Salaries for 2011
- 2011 U.S. Mine Salaries The winner is the human resource officer
- U.S. vs Australian Mine Manager Salaries
- 2011 Mine Exploration Salaries
- 2011 Mining Consultant Exploration Salaries
- 2011 Canadian Mine Wages
- 2011 Canadian Mine Salaries
- 2011 Canadian Mine Benefits
- 2011 Canadian Major Mining Company Executive Compensation
- 2011 U.S. Mine Wages
- 2010 to 2011 Coal Mine Salary
- 2010 US Coal Mine Wages
- 2010 US Coal Mine Salaries
- 2010 U.S. Coal Mine Executive Compensation
- US Mining Executives’ Compensation
- 2010 – 2011 Mine Salaries
- 2011 US Mine Wages
- How to earn in the top 10 %
To make it even easier, we have collated all the blog postings noted above, and more, at this link. Take a look for a detailed look at mining wages, salaries, and excutive compensation.
Now for the original posting: From the National Association of Colleges and Employees (NACE), which bills itself as a site “dedicated to the employment of the college educated” comes this report on the salaries of new graduates:
Engineering majors dominate the list of top-paid bachelor’s degrees. NACE’s Winter 2010 Salary Survey shows that engineering disciplines account for eight of the 10 most highly paid degrees. The only non-engineering related degrees in the top 10 were computer science and information sciences and systems. (See Figure 1.) Petroleum engineering earned the highest starting salary reported at the bachelor’s degree level—$86,220—more than one-and-one-half times the average starting salary reported for bachelor’s degree graduates as a whole ($48,351). “While a variety of factors play a role in determining salaries, new graduates with degrees in the technical fields tend to benefit from their relatively low supply. There is more competition for their skills, driving up their salary offers,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.
We note with interest the starting salary of mining engineers at $64,552. You can flesh out this one number by looking at the CostMine wage and salary reports.
I also notice with concern, the absence of civil engineers on this list. No wonder the nation’s infrastructure is in need of upgrade. Probably there are too many civil engineers relative to mining engineers, and that is why there are so many civil engineers working on or for mines–they are just cheaper. One day we will have to survey the contribution of civil engineers to mining. Meanwhile send your offspring to study the listed engineering degrees shown on Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Top-Paid Bachelor’s Degrees
| Major | Average Salary Offer |
| Petroleum Engineering | $86,220 |
| Chemical Engineering | $65,142 |
| Mining & Mineral Engineering (incl. geological) | $64,552 |
| Computer Science | $61,205 |
| Computer Engineering | $60,879 |
| Electrical/Electronics & Communications Engineering | $59,074 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $58,392 |
| Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering | $57,734 |
| Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering | $57,231 |
| Information Sciences & Systems | $54,038 |
| Source: Winter 2010 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers. Data represent offers to bachelor’s degree candidates where 10 or more offers were reported. | |
hello sir i have just joined in mining engineering.when i have taken this course many people told me that its a dangerous job.and they also said that mechanical engineering is better than mining.but i choose mining eng.please mail me your openion sir.i am waiting for your reply…..
Mining Engineering a dangerous job? Sure, if you lick your computer cable or put your head through the monitor. Obviously you’re too dumb for common sense so I doubt you’ll finish either of those degrees. Christ…..
Amen brother.
I’m a Mining Engineer. I spend my work day underground maintaining the production of a coal mine. I have witnessed roof falls and lost friends due to explosions. It is not a dangerous job, it is a hazardous job. Please keep more informed before responding to someone’s comment before having all your information. Good day.
what about geomatics. it seems like nobody is saying nothing about them i hope i can know the average salary of a surveyor.
hellow sir,
i am a mining engineer(Diploma).resently i am job in india in cement plant of jaypee group. i would like to knoe that can i get the job in canada as a mining engineer
hoping for your favorabal reply
my email id is viren151@rediffmail.com
hi i have bachelors degree in mining engineering(excavation) and 2 years experience in open pit mine(top quartzite mineral) excavation…. here in iran average payment is about 1000$ per month which is too low… im planning to study petroleum engineering for master but i have good mining background and i know different mining softwares such as datamine comfar surfer Arcgis Rockworks gps utility … im a little confused wether to change my magor or study in the same magor (mining engineering) i like to know ur openion…
Hello All,
I am a junior/intermediate level mining engineer in Canada. I saw lots of questions on the board but few answer. I though I’d put some comments to the questions.
Is it Dangerous? Speaking for Canadian operations only (as that is my experience) I must say NO. We have lower ‘lost time accident rates’ than many other industries (such as health care). There has been a huge push for health and safety in the last 30 year and i consider driving to work more dangerous than being underground. Engineers normally spend little of their time underground anyway. There are jobs that are more dangerous than others but most accidents are the result of negligence
Cement plant? huh. I would say that getting your degree to be recognized in Canada will the hardest part for you. Applying experienced gained at a cement plant is a bit of stretch.
Pay… It is very good. The pay I see in the above article seems very accurate for entry level positions. Foreigners keep in mind that the cost of living in Canada is relatively high. Average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Sudbury (a large mining city/town in Canada) is about 700-900 Canadian Dollars a month. Income tax is around 30% of your income. Plus a month car payment and all of a sudden that 65k turns into 20k of disposable income. Still very good for an entry level position.
Most comments have come from people outside Canada. I would say your language skills are very very important if you even want to consider applying for work here. Most mining jobs in Canada are absolutely dominated by white males with very little/no foreigners. Why? I have no idea. Personally, I field that if you can’t communicate well you are little use to the people around you no matter how smart you are. Engineering to me is problem solving and communication. From the level English proficiency I see in the the comments I would say that its not good enough. The mining industry in Canada is very slow to adapt to changing times. But that’s just my opinion
I have just completed senior high and i have intrest in joining the minning sector as an engineer. I am from Botswana. I am well aware of my interlectual capabilieties. The reason i am not sure about this course is because people tell me that the life span of mines is very short and will close down soon and i am not sure about the vaccancies
hi friends im a student of mining engineering and studying in buitems quetta balochistan pakistan. different people says about mining engineering that miningis a dangerous field but i like it please give comments about mining field
[...] you can earn in mining. That I can understand. One example: since its first posting in 2010, Mining engineers’ starting salaries in top ten, has been read by almost 8,000 people. I have tried to keep the posting up-to-date by adding [...]
Hi, I am study A levels in the UK and am going to university next summer, I have been offered a placement to study a Msci in Geology at the Royal School of MInes (Imperial College London) or a BEng in Mining Engineering at the Camborne School of Mines. I am intrested in working in Mining either in Australisa or the US/ Canada, so recomendations on which course?
Hi Yasmin, Just saw your posting and both these courses are excellent, I myself did mining at RSM and have many friends at CSM. It really depends on what you want to do in mining, the CSM course is more related to production and techniques whereas the Geology course would be predominantly geology. You need to decide what you want to do in mining, you can get jobs in both subjects within mines, however management and production planning tends to be the domicile of the mining engineer and geologists tend focus on the exploration and structural geology aspects within the mines. It just depends on what you prefer to do, geology does offer a way into the petroleum industry that a mining course does not. In balance there are probably more opportunities for geologists, but there are more geologists also.
please help me am confuss which coarse i must take between mining and civil engineering please…..reply me its urgent please
I am a high school student interested in the Mining-Engineering field. Which Ontario universities would you say offers the best degree program?
Hi Guys,
Mining is a great career (so far for me anyhow) and really there is nothing to think about.
I studied at WASM (Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie). I graduated at the age of 21 and got my first job doing an 8/6 FIFO roster at an U/G Nickel mine earning 120k +bonus+super (401 equviilant in Australia). WASM hasin the past and continue to boost a 100% employment rate for all of their graduates. The average Mining Engineers slary for the year that I went through was 105k (average salary in Australia is 55k).
Due to the insatiable demand for mining professionals in Australia, the opportunities that you are afforded is unparrallel. 12 months after I started my graduate job, I asked for a 20k pay rise and got it. 12 after that I asked for a 30k pay rise and was denied, so I told a friend I was unhappy and with in 10 minutes got a call from his boss who offered me a 50k pay rise. I worked for this guy for 6 months and he left, 3 weeks later he asked me to join him at his new job and offered me a 60k pay rise.
I am 25 years old now, work in Perth (a capital city) with 20% of my time in various African countries, I fly business class and earn 250k a year.
My story is not unique amongst the mining engineers that I went to unior have worked with. I can truely say there is no other industry that will give you the opportunity to do this.
Hope that helps you make your mind up.
Dear K Swiss,
I am a recent university graduate mining engineer from Middle East Technical University/Turkey, whose medium of instruction is 100% English and is recognized overseas institution by Australian Government. I am looking for a job or a traineeship program in Australia.
I was wondering if you would give me some advice or help to find a job?
I look forward to hearing from you,
Yours Faithfully,
Rasit Torun
rasit.torun@gmail.com
Hello K swiss. I am 17, I live in the UK and I am about to apply to the CSM to do mining engineering. Do you feel you spend alot of your time working? I was enthusiastic about mining engineering but I’ve started to become doubtful due to not knowing exactly what the quality of life will be… From your experience in the industry, how much time do you think I would be able to spend in my home country, and would I be able to live in the UK still, but obviously be around the world as I work?
thats a great idea am also doing introduction to engineering in Namibia and i wish to continue with mining next year. how are UK versities coz i wanna study abroad.
i also want to know how other universities are doing it abroad.I m doing mining eng. in Zim.
mining the best… but want to do it abroad.
K Swiss,
As an Australian mining engineer with 10 years experience, I can safely say that there is no way you are earning $250k with four years post graduate experience, including the guys I work with that graduated from WASM. You simply do not have the expertise or knowledge to command a Principal Engineer or Technical Services Manager salary like that, either on site, consulting or expat work.
Lolwut,
I think K Swiss might be talking about his TOTAL remuneration package. I have 6 years experience, work for a contractor as a project engineer in Saudi and earn the same as what he is quoting. This is my base salary, bonus, and medical. Not including my super.
I got mates with my experience working as project managers for various contractors making around the 220 – 250k base salary in WA.
Unless you work for Barrick, cheapest company around, or in Nickel, 10 years experience should be commanding a 200+salary. There is something wrong with you if you’re not getting that
Hi lolwut,
I agree with Jerry,, if you got 10 years and earning less then 200k, there is something wrong with you. Maybe your 10 years experience includes 8 years as a graduate engineer.
Lolwut, please feel free to send your CV through enquiries@aumsgh.com, and maybe we can see if we can help you get what a real engineer earns.
Regards
K Swiss
Hello
Nice to read about u,,,i have my genereal query too…i passed out as B-tech in Mining Engineering from india’a premium institute after which i did not get job in mining sector due to recession and other problems and many places they ask for heay exp in various fields ,,,,somehow i managed to work as trainee minign engineer in small bauxtime mines where hardly i learnt anything ,,,,,and i did some industrial projects and odd jobs jsut to keep myself busy ,,,,,right now am persuing my MBA in london and done with my first semester…kindly let me know as wahts the future prospect for me as Minign Engineer + MBA,,,,what wud be the role or job profile i wud get and where shud i apply,,,,everyone suggests to apply in AUSTRALIA….but can i know as whats the procedure and how do they recruit,,,,do i have to apply from INdia or from UK itself,,,if u cud guide me i wud be kind enough for the same …kindly let me know as what wud be preferred after an MBA
thanks and regards and wish u good luck ,,,hope soome day i meet u on any of these tours
Hi, Swiss
My name is Dong Geun Choi who currently is attracted by mining engineering. I am a senior student at university of colorado boulder in the states and majoing geology. I am seeking for my next career and thinking of getting a degree in mining engineering at UNSW. What I really wish to be is a professional engineer, just like you. I am more than happy to work in Australia. Could please shoot me an email with all of your pricelees advises? I would be really appreciated if you could email me. And as a professional employer at current, what do you think about future prospect for mining engineering? Email: urygusl@hotmail.com
K Swiss,
I am a second year mechanical engineering graduate working an 8/6 FIFO roster at an UG hard rock mine in North Queensland. I am not sure if there will be a permanent job for me at the completion of my grad program so I am keeping an eye open for any possible job opportunities. I would appreciate any information about your work/company. Your job sounds amazing and I would be keen to know if there are any job opportunities with your company. If you have any information or could spare some time to talk to me please email me at: lauriceb90@gmail.com . I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers!
Laurice.
i m studying mining eng @ university of zimbabwe & would love 2 explore canada,australia,&more.its a full english environment.wouldn’t it be much of a hurdle given that i ‘m from a 3rd world country.
Hi! Am a level 3 student studying electrical & electronics engineering in sierra leone. I want to drop to level 3 next year so that I can have the chance to have a Beng in mining. We have many mining companies in S/L but few/no mining engineers. Next academic year, students will have the opportunity to study mining staring at level 3. So is it adviceable for me to repeat and pursue mining? Considering the fact that I could be amongst the nation’s first set of mining engineers. In S/L we have more than 20 minerals including Diamond,Rutile,Oil and Iron ore. Please reply!
Hi Jack:
Lolwut does have a point – the Hays survey for 2012 in Australia puts a Mining Engineer salary at A$90K to A$150K. You can request a copy of the Hays 2012 Salary Guide here: http://www.hays.com.au/salary-guide/request-copy/index.htm.
What is not clear from the Hays survey is what are the benefits and bonuses connected with working as a FIFO versus a residential job. Our recent work at R2Mining and CostMine indicates that FIFO wages can be anywhere from 10% to 42% more than residential wages. In addition the difference between coal wages and metal mine wages and locations, say Western Australia and Queensland can have a greater impact. If K Swiss is an outstanding performer and has added in all of the extras for FIFO, superannuation, living expenses, etc. he could very well make A$250K, BUT that would be the exception.
One of the major problems facing the mining industry downunder is lack of highly experienced professionals in mining engineering, geology and related fields. Lolwut’s comment about K Swiss lacking the experience to command such wages is valid, unfortunately, job hopping and retention bonuses inflate the value of these young professionals to the point where these wages will eventually become unsustainable. In the U.S. and Canada, none of the younger mining engineers with similar experience are able to pull down these wages.
Jennifer Leinart
President
InfoMine USA, Inc.
well is very great but how can i apply for the coarse
Still waiting for reply.
Abdul: I do not know what the prospects for mining are in S/L. Mines may develop and yet they may not. You can be sure however that there will laways be a demand for electrical and eletronic engineers. I would focus on electrical engineering and not drop out to study mining engineering. Unless you are very sure that mines will develop and continue to prosper during your career. Jack
Hi, This is Sajjad Ahmed from India. I am a Electronics graduate. I want to pursue a career in either mining or petroleum. Some universities are offering Masters in both the above subjects for graduates like me coming from other disciplines.I want you guys to help me out to arrive at a decision .
what about civil engineers? Because they also doing the great job
The salaries mentioned above for engineers are monthly salaries or annual. Thanks. Regards.
The salaries mentioned above for engineers are monthly salaries or total annual amount. Thanks. Kind regards.
Jamil:
All of the salaries listed are annual – U.S. dollars for the table above and Australian $ in my reply.
Dear Sir/Madam
Iam a student about to complete ma bachelor degree in computer science and embarking on studying a national diploma in mining engineering ,so i want to know my chances of making it into the cooperate world
Dear sir/madam
iam a stuudent about to complete my bachelor’s degree in computer science and embarking on studying a national diploma in mining engineering after my gaduation,so i want to know what are my chances of making it in a cooperate world,wil i be able to use both of my skills in a mining enviroment, what kind of salary i can get.Your insight wil be highly appreciated
Hello
I am from India n I have done B.E in field of electronics and communication engg. In 2010 n n serving as A.P from last two year in college of engg.
I am moving to Australia in january 2013 n I am doing post graduation diploma in automation from prolific company. I want to work in mines so could anyone please help me how can I get a job in mines ,I dont have any industrial experience yet.
Now I am moving to Australia so I want your advice what should I do to get job in mines as engineer.
Gurjant singh
The numbers for many of these are really thrown off. As an electrical engineer myself I have to say many of us can’t find jobs because we’re competing with a swarm of Indians on H1B visas. This leaves many U.S. citizens scraping to find a job. If you’re in a computer based specialization it’s even tougher. Why hire programmers in the U.S. when you can pay an Indian a few hundred a month to do the same work remotely from India. Hopefully Indians don’t start taking an interest in mining or then that whole field is shot.
sir i had studied +2 science and after that my father is saying to study diploma mining but i want to read degree mining in private college i.e,adarsh college in angul.So, kindly give me the advice which line should i go through dilploma mining or degree mining
I work as a mining engineer but I didn’t earn as much as what was written above. I had to take a couple of other courses and undergo coal services training from http://www.virtualrealitytrainingsystem.com/ so I could have an edge and be able to get the job. I also believe that having good field work experience is a plus in this industry.
Hi I’m promise,I’m a grade 12 learner.I just want to ask if it s possible to study civil engineering,and there after study petroleum for master degree
my guy is studying mining engeneering and lm concerned about his life span..ls it that affected like what l always hear.
Hello Miranda:
If walking around any mining conference is any indication, mining engineers are around for a very long time. Most of those I work with are gray heads and wise beyond their years. I have worked in the industry for over 35 years. So my opinion, if you enjoy your work, working as a mining engineer will not shorten your life span. But beer, cigars, whiskey might!
i am doing mining Engineering also in Botswana, and i will be 1 of the first Graduates from Botswana ,my Question is how jobs found abroad and will i ever work in country like canada or US and Australia with Degree of botswana???????
I would encourage you to work in Botswana. The contry needs mining engineers like you. Thus you can contribute positively to the country’s growth and prosperity. It is no doubt tempting to dream of working in Canada and the USA, but it is difficult to get a good position wihtout experience. Thus spend four or five years gettign experience in Botswana, then maybe travel and work abroad to expand your experience, and then return to contribute where such contirbutions are truly needed.
Hello! Now, i live in Myanmar.I am studying the mining major in Technology University(Mandalay),Myanmar.I have one question about mining engineer.What thing should i do to be perfect mining engineer?Please reply me.I really want to know.If i have any mistake,pardon me.
Dear sir,
i am a diploma mining engr having 3 yr exp in iron ore & foreman certificiate of competency from DGMS.i wants 2 doing jobs in cement industry.any jobs for me?
Congrtultn to dose hu a engineers,n i thnk dey cn devlop our coutry. Im interestd on studin computer science ,so if der is anyone who wnt 2 hlp me email me on shumani.ramantswana@gmail.com
i m doing mining engineering from the top university of pakistan everyone mention about the field work does it not not have any charming scoop in cement industries??????
Hallow sir, where does metallurgical engineerng falls on th list,? Is it also highly paid in comparison with other degree programs. Thanks.
hi guys..
i done my diploma in mining engineering and joining the job at the age of 19, later i came to know that,an degree is much essential to get a good status in this field and i completed this year, with 7yrs experience i’v gained vast knowledge field wise,but unfamiliar with mining softwares, im working for an leading cement company in south india, i feel proud to be an mining engineer,but i agree mining is also like an army job.
all Mine ENGINEERS are the best. . .071 800 50 72, for more contacts
chandrasekaran.n. I am having diploma electrica& electronics engg .with 22yars india &2 years gulf experience in tilesplant thermal plant & steel mill, I need suitable job.
Rupchand kadu.i am diploma in mining working in ACC Cement plant, India & having 14 years of experience , woking as a assistant manager looking after mine producton need suitable job my e mail address: rupchandkadu@gmail.com
i want help on this, i am looking for a better coarse for better salaries on mining engineering
i want to be a minining engineer,i’m currently doing matric this so i’m urging guidance to you.
hello sir gud mrng
sir i have passed my class 10 and i want to become a mine engineer so what further studies should i do now to avail the starting salaries of above30,000 in government job sir please rply me i am waiting for your rply my email id is kingmanishrawat@gmail.com
This brings more interest in me that i must study mine engineering next year at the university
I’m als studying mining at university of Pretoria but I wish to go to Canada as soon as I finish my degree..are any changes of me getting der? Or I need some experience 1st
P.correction___- Are there any chances for me to get there just before I finish my degree or I must first get the experience here in South Africa ???
sir i would like to join mining engg but some of my friends say that in mining low salary.sir please send me the salary in india per month.iam waiting for ur reply