The UK's official graduate careers website

Login to My Prospects

Not a member yet? Join now
 

Search site
 

Mining engineer : Salary and conditions

More in this section

  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
  3. Entry requirements
  4. Training
  5. Career development
  6. Employers and vacancy …
  7. Related jobs

Print all pages in this section

Case studies

  • Starting salaries vary between £20,000 and £25,000.
  • With five years' experience, salaries can increase to around £45,000 plus.
  • Salaries at senior level (e.g. after 10-15 years in the role) range between £50,000 and £65,000.
  • Salaries tend to be considerably higher overseas.
  • Salary levels also vary between employers and sectors. More demanding work locations, such as poor weather conditions and strict rules, may offer better salaries. Generally the more remote the area, the higher the allowance, with additional benefits such as housing and fly in/fly out. Some companies provide performance-related pay schemes and additional benefits.
  • Hours of work tend to be long, particularly if you are based overseas. Mining engineers working overseas are likely to be on site for up to three months, followed by a period of two weeks' leave, which they can spend elsewhere.
  • Whilst conditions on site can be challenging, the work itself is not excessively physically demanding.
  • Although self-employment is not an option, consultancy work is possible for those with experience in the industry and a good network of contacts.
  • The majority of jobs are based overseas, particularly South America, Australia and Africa. The UK does not offer many traditional mining engineering jobs but does have openings in related areas, such as tunnelling, quarrying and construction.
  • The need to travel to gain experience and develop a career is likely to affect individuals with family commitments. Many mining engineers build up their experience overseas and then either move back to the UK or emigrate permanently.
  • Working overseas in this role may lead to periods of personal isolation. However, it also offers exposure to a variety of different cultures and communities, which can be a rewarding experience.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
August 2011
© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd | Disclaimer
 
 
 

This website is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with CSS enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets if you are able to do so.