Best institutions to study 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.
3 U.S. institutions graduated 61 Mining Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.0901, a specialization of Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.09), and leads most directly to the Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 19-4043).
About Mining Technology/Technician programs
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: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Mining Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to support engineers and professionals in the mining and mineral processing industries. This program focuses on applying basic engineering principles and technical skills essential for the development and operation of mines. It is ideal for those interested in geology, mineral extraction, and safety monitoring in mining environments.
Students in this program gain knowledge in mineral extraction principles, geology, and site analysis, as well as skills in testing, sampling methods, and instrument calibration. Coursework emphasizes practical applications, including mine inspection procedures and report preparation.
Credentials awarded
What Mining Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of less than 12 weeks56 graduates / yr · 1 institution92%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year3 graduates / yr · 1 institution4.9%
- Associate's degree2 graduates / yr · 2 institutions3.3%
Graduates over time
Mining Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 149 |
| 2013 | 155 |
| 2014 | 96 |
| 2015 | 76 |
| 2016 | 107 |
| 2017 | 85 |
| 2018 | 76 |
| 2019 | 98 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 61 |
Top 3 institutions for Mining Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate's | 57 | 63% | — |
| 2 | Mountain Empire Community College Big Stone Gap, VAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 48% | — |
| 3 | Southwest Virginia Community College Cedar Bluff, VAPublicAssociate's | 1 | 46% | — |
Offered in 2 states
Where Mining Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 1 | 57 | Illinois Eastern Community Colleges57 / yr |
| Virginia | 2 | 4 | Mountain Empire Community College3 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4043, Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Mining Technology/Technician program can pursue careers as geological technicians, engineering technologists, or service unit operators in the oil and gas sector. The job outlook shows little or no change, with an annual opening of approximately 1,300 positions and a median wage of $48,390, typically requiring an associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.0901
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Techniciansprimary SOC 19-4043 | $53,350 | +1.5% Little or no change | ~1,300 | Associate's degree |
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other SOC 17-3029 | $78,350 | +1.5% Little or no change | ~5,700 | Associate's degree |
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas SOC 47-5013 | $58,160 | +0.4% Little or no change | ~4,100 | No formal educational credential |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Mining Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
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.
Tools and technology used
Other Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.09).
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Mining and Petroleum Technologies/
Technicians15.0999
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What is the duration of the Mining Technology/Technician program?+
The program offers various awards, including options for less than 12 weeks and at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, monitoring, and active learning, among others.
What types of jobs can I get after completing this program?+
Graduates can work as geological technicians, engineering technologists, or service unit operators in the oil and gas industry.
What is the job outlook for mining technology graduates?+
The job outlook indicates little or no change, with about 1,300 annual openings in the field.
What is the CIP code for Mining Technology/Technician?+
Mining Technology/Technician is CIP 15.0901 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.09). NCES defines it as: 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.
How many institutions offer Mining Technology/Technician programs?+
3 U.S. institutions reported Mining Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 2 states, awarding 61 credentials in the year. That is 19.4% of all Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Mining Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians occupation, which Mining Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $53,350 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
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.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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