by our College Data Analytics TeamMining and Petroleum Technology focuses on the removal of natural recourses, such as petroleum and coal. This is an essential technology for our modern world. A Mining or Petroleum Technician will use basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the development and operation in mines, or natural oil and gas withdrawal.
If you decide to pursue this major you will take classes in Mining Safety, Basic Rigging for the Mines, Drilling and Completion, and Oil and Gas Gathering & Transportation. Within this major there are two concentrations, they are Mining Technology and Petroleum Technology. Both focus on mapping and site analysis, testing and sampling methods, instrument calibration, assay analysis, test equipment operation and maintenance. This major is offered as both a Bachelor's and Associate's degree, depending on which college you decide to choose.
A major in Mining & Petroleum Technology involves the study of Mining And Petroleum Technologies/technicians. Read on to learn the key facts every mining & petroleum technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering mining & petroleum technology programs.
In the U.S., mining & petroleum technology is a widely-pursued major, with 328 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Mining & Petroleum Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 32 schools to determine the best overall colleges for mining & petroleum technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mining & petroleum technology programs later in this article.
Coursework for Mining & Petroleum Technology build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations mining & petroleum technology graduates commonly enter.
The skill set developed in a mining & petroleum technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a mining & petroleum technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several mining & petroleum technology 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 51 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 106 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 4 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 66 |
People currently working in careers related to mining & petroleum technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 52.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 17.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 15.6% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 5.0% |
| Some college courses | 3.7% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 2.6% |
| Master’s degree | 1.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in mining & petroleum technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in mining & petroleum technology prepares you for numerous career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to mining & petroleum technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mining & petroleum technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Plant Operators | 418,964 | 2.4% |
| 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 & petroleum technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb 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 & petroleum technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers mining & petroleum technology 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 |
| Gas Plant Operators | $57,281 |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | $50,058 |
With 32 different mining & petroleum technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased mining & petroleum technology school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in mining & petroleum technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Petroleum Technology/Technician | 294 |
| Mining Technology/Technician | 29 |
| Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians, Other | 5 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
