Best institutions to study Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
Compare 25 U.S. colleges offering Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 15 states.
Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians programs report a median of $59,357 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 15.09 and the Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians programs
The Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians program focuses on the essential skills and knowledge required for careers in the mining and petroleum industries. This program is designed for students interested in understanding the technical aspects of resource extraction and management, preparing them for various roles in these critical sectors of the economy. Students will engage in hands-on learning experiences and gain insights into geological surveys, drilling operations, and sample analysis.
Learn more about Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians →
Core coursework emphasizes critical skills such as reading comprehension, mathematics, and active learning. Students will also acquire knowledge in engineering and technology, chemistry, and physics, which are vital for testing and analyzing samples, preparing geological maps, and participating in exploratory surveys.
Top 5 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicholls State University Thibodaux, LA Public · Associate degree | $63,555 | 40 | 54% | — | $18,848 |
| 2 | Lackawanna College Scranton, PA Private not-for-profit · Associate degree | $63,377 | 18 | 37% | $25,320 | $12,000 |
| 3 | Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Okmulgee, OK Public · Associate degree | $59,357 | 5 | 42% | — | — |
| 4 | Lewis and Clark Community College Godfrey, IL Public · Associate degree | $58,787 | 7 | 44% | — | — |
| 5 | Houston City College Houston, TX Public · Associate degree | $47,146 | 8 | 17% | — | $31,138 |
Offered across 15 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 4 | $63,555 | Nicholls State University |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | $63,377 | Lackawanna College |
| Oklahomalimited | 2 | $59,357 | Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology |
| Illinoislimited | 2 | $58,787 | Lewis and Clark Community College |
| Texas | 4 | $47,146 | Houston City College |
| Alaskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Mississippilimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 2 | — | — |
| West Virginialimited | 2 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4043, Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians program can expect a stable job outlook, with an estimated annual growth rate of 1.5% and approximately 1,300 annual job openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is around $48,390, and most positions typically require an associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 15.09.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 15.09 (Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians) maps to 4 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 17-3029 | Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other |
| 19-4043 | Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Techniciansprimary |
| 47-5013 | Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas |
| 51-8092 | Gas Plant Operators |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
- Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
- Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
Concentrations within Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Mining Technology/TechnicianCIP 15.0901
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 rel
- Petroleum Technology/TechnicianCIP 15.0903
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 oil and natur
- Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians, OtherCIP 15.0999
Any instructional program in mining and petroleum engineering technologies not listed above.
Common questions
What types of specializations are available?+
Students can specialize in Mining Technology/Technician, Petroleum Technology/Technician, or other related fields.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, monitoring, writing, and mathematics.
What tasks will I perform in this field?+
Tasks include testing samples, preparing geological maps, and participating in surveys.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with a median wage of $48,390.
How much do Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?+
Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians graduates report median earnings of $59,357 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians occupation pays about $61,870 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians?+
Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians maps to CIP 15.09 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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