As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mining Engineer I in the United States is $72,830 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Mining Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mining Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Mining Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Mining Engineer I | 0-2 years | $72,822 |
| Mine Planning Engineer II | 2-4 years | $94,616 |
| Mine Planning Engineer III | 4-7 years | $104,537 |
| Mine Planning Engineer IV | 7+ years | $129,258 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Mining Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 16.67% |
| Data Analytics | 1.67% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.67% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Risk Management
|
$93,222 |
28%
|
|
Strategic Thinking
|
$85,211 |
17%
|
|
Consulting
|
$83,026 |
14%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$80,841 |
11%
|
|
Product Development
|
$80,113 |
10%
|
|
Service Planning
|
$79,385 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mining Engineer Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Mining Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $65,896 and $71,122).
Mining Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.3% |
| High School | 10.3% |
| Associates | 3.4% |
| Bachelors | 69.0% |
| Masters | 13.8% |
| Doctorate | 3.4% |
Understanding how a Mining Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mining Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Drilling Engineer II | $137,000 | 88% |
| Intermediate Reservoir Engineer | $162,900 | 124% |
| Mine Planning Engineer II | $94,700 | 30% |
Salaries for a Mining Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,889 in 2023 to around $87,929 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mining Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $93,889 |
| 2024 | $90,592 |
| 2025 | $87,929 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Mining Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Mining engineering remains a viable career in the USA, with a projected job growth of 2% from 2023 to 2033. Despite this modest growth, approximately 400 openings for mining and geological engineers are expected annually. Salaries for mining engineers range from $61,250 to $80,240, with a median salary of $70,840, reflecting the profession's value in the industry.
Mining jobs can offer competitive salaries. For Mining Engineers, the salary ranges from a minimum of $61,250 to a maximum of $80,240, with a mid-salary of $70,840. This indicates that mining positions can be financially rewarding, especially compared to other roles in the industry.
The highest paying jobs in mining include positions such as Project Director and Drilling Operations Director. A Mining Engineer can expect a salary range from $61,250 to $80,240, with a median salary of $70,840. Other high-paying roles are Mine Manager, Geologists, Project Managers, Metallurgists, and Geophysicists.
The highest paid engineer roles typically include Big Data Engineers, earning between $140,000 and $180,000, and Petroleum Engineers, with salaries starting at $100,000. In comparison, Mining Engineers have a salary range of $61,250 to $80,240, with a mid-salary of $70,840, making them competitive but not the highest earners in the engineering field.
Mining engineers typically earn between $61,250 and $80,240 annually. The average salary is around $70,840. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced professionals can reach the higher end of the salary range.
Mining engineers in the United States can earn varying salaries based on location. The average salary ranges from a minimum of $61,250 to a maximum of $80,240, with a mid-salary of $70,840. Notably, cities like Mojave, CA, and Austin, TX, report significantly higher earnings, reaching up to $171,676 and $163,698, respectively.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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