Only 45 colleges in the country offer Mining & Petroleum Tech, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $72,609.
Mining & Petroleum Tech is a focused area of study within Engineering Tech. Graduates typically earn around $72,609 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 45 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 433 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$52,842
Median Earnings · 4yr
$72,609
Colleges Offering
45
Graduates / Year
433
Avg Net Price / yr
$8,440
How Much Do Mining & Petroleum Tech Graduates Earn?
Mining & Petroleum Tech graduates earn $72,609 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,837 and $126,643. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $52,842 climbs to $72,609 by year four.
$52,842
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$72,609
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$74,167
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Mining & Petroleum Tech graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$44,83725th pct.
$72,609Median
$126,64375th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $72,609 against an estimated $33,760 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 3 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 433 students who complete Mining & Petroleum Tech programs each year, the majority (41%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
41%39%
Associate's41%
Doctorate39%
Certificate18%
What Can You Do With a Mining & Petroleum Tech Degree?
Mining & Petroleum Tech connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Geological Technicians leads at $53,350/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
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.
Top Colleges for Mining & Petroleum Tech
The 15 colleges below are ranked by how many Mining & Petroleum Tech students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Mining & Petroleum Tech graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Mining & Petroleum Tech is one of 19 specializations within Engineering Tech. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Mining & Petroleum Tech program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Mining & Petroleum Tech shows 4 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $72,609 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $52,842 at graduation to $72,609 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
High upside potentialTop earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $126,643, a strong ceiling for high performers.
Flexible credential pathsPrograms are available from certificate and associate levels through bachelor's and graduate degrees, giving students real options based on timeline and goals.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Slow job growthTop related careers project less than 3% growth over the next decade; limited expansion means more competition for new openings.
Limited program availabilityOnly 45 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.
How much do Mining & Petroleum Tech graduates earn?
Mining & Petroleum Tech graduates earn a national median of $72,609 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,837 and $126,643. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Mining & Petroleum Tech degree?
One year after graduation, Mining & Petroleum Tech degree holders earn a median of $52,842. That climbs to $72,609 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Mining & Petroleum Tech degree?
Mining & Petroleum Tech degree holders pursue careers including Geological Technicians, which pays a median of $53,350/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Mining & Petroleum Tech program take?
A Mining & Petroleum Tech associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Mining & Petroleum Tech?
45 colleges and universities in the United States offer Mining & Petroleum Tech programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Mining & Petroleum Tech degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $72,609 and an average net price of roughly $8,440/yr, a Mining & Petroleum Tech degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Mining & Petroleum Tech and Engineering Tech?
Mining & Petroleum Tech is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering Tech field. The Engineering Tech major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Mining & Petroleum Tech-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Mining & Petroleum Tech graduates?
Employers hiring Mining & Petroleum Tech graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Mining & Petroleum Tech graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Other programs in Engineering Tech. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
H
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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