Mining Engineering Degree Programs in Los Angeles, CA (2026)
Quick answer: The Los Angeles metro employs about 180 mining and geological engineers (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing is set at the state level, through your state engineering licensing board and MSHA.
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. Mining engineering uses the standard state Professional Engineer framework, and licensure is somewhat more common here than in other industrial disciplines because ground control and ventilation design carry public-safety weight. Separately, federal mine safety regulation through MSHA governs operations regardless of any individual license.
See the California licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with your state engineering licensing board and MSHA.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record within 250 miles of this area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Mining and Geological Engineers Earn in Los Angeles
Mining and Geological Engineers in the Los Angeles area earn a median $144,230 per year, above the national median of $106,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Mining Engineering Pay in Los Angeles, CA
| Metric | Los Angeles metro | California | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $144,230 | $158,130 | $106,220 |
| 10th percentile | $72,110 | $84,430 | $67,490 |
| 25th percentile | $88,770 | $122,120 | $85,280 |
| 75th percentile | $158,130 | $169,770 | $136,590 |
| 90th percentile | $175,650 | $175,940 | $169,990 |
| Employment | 180 | 520 | 6,080 |
| Location quotient | 0.73 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Los Angeles median of $144,230 is above the national median of $106,220, and below the California statewide median of $158,130 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 0.73 means mining and geological engineers are less concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
Mining engineering employment follows active mining districts, so it is concentrated in a small number of states and is cyclical with commodity prices.
Other California Metro Areas
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento | $166,770 | 160 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mining and geological engineers make in Los Angeles?
The median annual wage for mining and geological engineers in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro area is $144,230, above the national median of $106,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many mining and geological engineers work in the Los Angeles area?
The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro area employs about 180 mining and geological engineers (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do mining and geological engineers in Los Angeles need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. Mining engineering uses the standard state Professional Engineer framework, and licensure is somewhat more common here than in other industrial disciplines because ground control and ventilation design carry public-safety weight. Separately, federal mine safety regulation through MSHA governs operations regardless of any individual license. Confirm current requirements with your state engineering licensing board and MSHA.
Can I study mining engineering online from Los Angeles?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies your state engineering licensing board and MSHA.
Is Los Angeles a better market than the rest of California?
The Los Angeles metro median is $144,230 against a statewide median of $158,130 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Mining Engineering degree programs in California - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Mining Engineering programs and how to choose one
- Mining Engineer career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Mining and Geological Engineers (SOC 17-2151), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.