Earth Resources Engineer

Earth resources engineers specialize in the safe and sustainable use of natural resources such as fossil fuels, rocks, minerals, and water. Some work to improve the safety and reduce the impact of mining and drilling operations. Others develop technologies to recycle or dispose of used materials or waste.  

Education

A four-year college degree in science or engineering is preferred to start working in this field. Many Earth Resources Engineers obtain higher, more advanced degrees such as a Masters or PhD.

Some possible job titles/college degrees for earth resources engineers are:

• Mining Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Geological Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
   

Job Outlook

Employment of earth resources engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 400 openings for mining and geological engineers and about 1,200 openings for petroleum engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.*

Skills

You might like earth resources engineering, if you:

• Like rocks and minerals
• Enjoy working outdoors
• Want to understand how to design in harmony with the landscape
• Enjoy traveling
• Like to solve puzzles
• Are interested in climate change or energy or water conservation
• Enjoy the challenge of helping diverse groups of people to find common ground

Lifestyle

Although earth resources engineers work in many, very different environments, most jobs have an outdoor component. Some work in remote areas with varying work hours. Many others work mainly in offices with a regular 40-hour work week.

Salary

The average annual starting salary for an earth resources engineer is around $100,640 for mining and geological engineers and around $135,690 for petroleum engineers.*

Examples

• Devise methods to improve and oversee drilling or mining operations.
• Work with multiple stakeholders to restore previously damaged environments.
• Design safe, economical, and environmentally sound underground construction techniques.
• Create new techniques for processing or recycling earth resources.
• Design mines.
• Implement safety programs for companies with a focus on natural resources.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for mining and geolgical engineers as well as petroleum entineers 2025