by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 3 U.S. colleges awarded 61 degrees and certificates in Mining Technology/Technician. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 5% of graduates. Graduates earn a median $57,450 one year after completing, rising to $87,741 after four years.
Studying 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., mining technology/technician is a widely-pursued major, with 61 degrees awarded annually. 3 colleges award mining technology/technician degrees, an average of 20 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 57.
By level, the 61 awards include 2 associate degrees and 3 master’s degrees.
The most common mining technology/technician credential is the master’s degree: 3 of the 61 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to mining technology/technician call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Quality Control Analysis, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Mathematics and Computers and Electronics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Problem Sensitivity and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a mining technology/technician degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 2 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 3 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to mining technology/technician, at 49.0%.
| 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% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to Mining Technology/Technician, with an average median salary of $91,257; the strongest outlook belongs to Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas, at 10.8% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Laser Specialist, Fiber Technician (Fiber Tech) and Splicing Technician (Splicing Tech).
The occupation related to mining technology/technician with the most projected jobs is Photonics Technicians, at 306,018.
| 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% |
Mining Technology/Technician graduates earn a median $57,450 one year after completing their program, $87,741 after four years and $65,897 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $57,450 |
| 4 years | $87,741 |
| 5 years | $65,897 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to mining technology/technician is Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, with a median salary of $121,642.
| 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 |
Mining Technology/Technician has 1 similar major in the Engineering Technologies field; the largest is Petroleum Technology/Technician (254). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Petroleum Technology/Technician | 254 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.