by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Mining Technology/Technician explores Mining Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers And Other Professionals Engaged In The Development And Operation Of Mines And Related Mineral Processing Facilities. Includes Instruction In Principles Of Mineral Extraction And Related Geology, Mineral Field Mapping And Site Analysis, Testing And Sampling Methods, Instrument Calibration, Assay Analysis, Test Equipment Operation And Maintenance, Mine Environment And Safety Monitoring Procedures, Mine Inspection Procedures, And Report Preparation. Read on to learn the essential details every mining technology/technician major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering mining technology/technician programs.
In the U.S., mining technology/technician is a widely-pursued major, with 29 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Mining Technology/Technician Schools ranking analyzes these 3 schools to determine the best overall colleges for mining technology/technician students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mining technology/technician programs later in this article.
Studies in Mining Technology/Technician develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations mining technology/technician graduates commonly enter.
The skill set built by a mining technology/technician program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a mining technology/technician major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several mining technology/technician degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 10 |
People currently working in careers related to mining technology/technician tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 49.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 22.5% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 8.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.1% |
| Some college courses | 6.0% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 4.2% |
| Master’s degree | 2.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.0% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in mining technology/technician careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in mining technology/technician can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to mining technology/technician.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mining technology/technician.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | 82,987 | 10.8% |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | 56,828 | 9.9% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of mining technology/technician graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $57,450 |
| 4 years | $58,393 |
| 5 years | $65,518 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for mining technology/technician graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers mining technology/technician grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $119,992 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | $50,058 |
With 3 different mining technology/technician programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased mining technology/technician school rankings to help you.
Students interested in mining technology/technician, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Petroleum Technology/Technician | 294 |
| Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians, Other | 5 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
