Mining Engineering Degree Programs in Oklahoma (2026)
Quick answer: Oklahoma employs about 90 mining and geological engineers (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing runs through your state engineering licensing board and MSHA. Programs, the careers this degree opens, and what they pay are below.
Licensing and Credentials in Oklahoma
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.
Requirements are set at state level and are amended periodically. Before you enroll in any program, confirm with your state engineering licensing board and MSHA that the specific program you are considering satisfies the education requirement, and ask what it accepts from any training you have already completed. Get the answer in writing.
Earning the Degree While You Work
Most people reading this already have a job in the field, and the practical question is whether the credential can be earned without leaving it. Programs designed for working adults deliver the academic portion online or in the evening, while any labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience happen in person and locally. Prior college credit, military training, apprenticeship coursework and industry certifications can all shorten the path, so request a written transfer credit evaluation before you commit to any school.
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 for this exact 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 Oklahoma
Mining and Geological Engineers in Oklahoma earn a median $131,660 per year, above the national median of $106,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Mining Engineering Pay and Employment in Oklahoma at a Glance
| Metric | Oklahoma | National | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $131,660 | $106,220 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 10th percentile | $69,990 | $67,490 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 25th percentile | $102,960 | $85,280 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 75th percentile | $132,580 | $136,590 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 90th percentile | $178,800 | $169,990 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Employment | 90 | 6,080 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Location quotient | 1.31 | 1.00 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Projected change (2024-34) | not published by state | 0.7% | BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34 |
How Oklahoma Pay Compares to the Rest of the Country
The Oklahoma median of $131,660 sits above the national median of $106,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Percentiles matter more than the midpoint when you are deciding whether a degree pays for itself: the 10th percentile is roughly where people start, and the 90th is what the top of the local market looks like after years of experience.
A location quotient of 1.31 puts Oklahoma well above the national average, so the work is noticeably more common here than in the typical state. That usually means a deeper job market and more room to change employers without relocating (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The measure compares how concentrated the occupation is here against the national average of 1.00.
Where the Jobs Are in Oklahoma
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $131,660 | 70 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Mining engineering employment follows active mining districts, so it is concentrated in a small number of states and is cyclical with commodity prices.
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers Wages by Metro Area in Oklahoma
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers wages in Oklahoma vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | 70 | $131,660 | $123,860 | $66,000 | $178,800 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
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 Oklahoma?
The median annual wage for mining and geological engineers in Oklahoma is $131,660, above the national median of $106,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle of the range runs from $102,960 at the 25th percentile to $132,580 at the 75th.
How many mining and geological engineers work in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma holds about 90 mining engineer jobs (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Nationally the occupation employs 6,080, and BLS projects about 400 openings per year through 2034 (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34).
Do I need a license to work as a mining engineer in Oklahoma?
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. Requirements are set at the state level and change periodically, so confirm the current rules with your state engineering licensing board and MSHA before you enroll in any program.
Can I earn an ABET-accredited bachelor's in mining or geological engineering online while working in Oklahoma?
Often yes. Programs built for working adults deliver coursework online or in the evenings, though any required labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience are completed in person. Confirm that the program's accreditation satisfies your state engineering licensing board and MSHA.
What is the highest-paying area of Oklahoma for mining and geological engineers?
Among Oklahoma metro areas with published data, Oklahoma City reports the highest median at $131,660 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Is Oklahoma a good state for mining and geological engineers?
On pay, the state median of $131,660 sits above the national $106,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A location quotient of 1.31 means the occupation is more concentrated here than in the average state. Weigh that against cost of living and how concentrated the work is near where you actually want to live.
Related Guides
- Mining Engineering programs and how to choose one - the national guide to this degree
- Mining Engineer career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
- Trade careers that require a 4-year degree
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/.