Take on more complex work, mentoring and quality accountability while building evidence for the next formal step.
Compare roles and pay →Technical & business support · Professional
Mining Engineer
Plans and improves extraction by connecting mine design, scheduling, production performance, geotechnical constraints and operational risk.
Indicative 2026 annual cash$145k–$190kGross, generally before super
Common roster contextSite roles often use 8/6 or 5/2/4/3; residential, office and hybrid patterns also occur.
Typical work settingMine planning and site technical offices
Advertised examples · 28 September 2026
Indicative hourly rates.
Selected advertised examples show hourly contract or casual pay. Shift treatment varies; this range is not a role-wide rate or an annual-salary conversion.
- Advertised hourly
- $70–$85/hr
- Night / campaign
- No separate guide supplied
Check the applicable award or enterprise agreement, paid hours, penalties, allowances and super in the actual offer. View job listings ↗ · Find an agreement ↗
Role at a glance
What this role actually does.
Plans and improves extraction by connecting mine design, scheduling, production performance, geotechnical constraints and operational risk. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Develop mine designs and schedules
- 02
Reconcile plan against performance
- 03
Coordinate geology, survey and operations inputs
- 04
Evaluate sequence and equipment options
- 05
Manage design changes and assumptions
- 06
Communicate executable plans
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Mine planning software
- 02
Fleet and production data
- 03
Survey models
- 04
Geological models
- 05
Scheduling tools
- 06
Risk and change records
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Relevant accredited engineering degree
- 02
Graduate development and site competence
- 03
Professional or statutory requirements applicable to the jurisdiction and role
- 04
Strong operational communication and data discipline
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Planning horizon and mine type
- 02
Design or schedule ownership
- 03
Assumptions and constraints
- 04
Reconciliation, change and operational outcome
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Complete a relevant engineering degree
- 02
Enter a graduate or site technical-services role
- 03
Build operational exposure
- 04
Own increasingly complex designs and planning horizons
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Underground or surface specialisation
- 02
Planning horizon and accountability
- 03
Statutory eligibility
- 04
Site roster, bonus and location
Before accepting
Questions to ask about the offer
- 01
Is the quoted figure base salary, total cash or a package including super?
- 02
Which roster, shift length and point of hire does the offer assume?
- 03
How are overtime, nights, public holidays, allowances, bonus and travel treated?
Progression
Possible next moves.
Lead people, work controls and handovers across a wider scope; statutory appointment and licence duties must be checked separately.
Collects, checks and interprets geological evidence to guide exploration, ore control, mine planning and resource decisions across Australian mineral operations.
Related role band: $115k–$185kMine management brings broader operational and legal accountability. Check jurisdiction-specific statutory eligibility and appointment requirements.
Related role band: $150k–$210kProgression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. A related profile is a starting point, not a guarantee of that exact title or scope. Browse all 98 role profiles →
Keep exploring
Related role profiles.
Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining comparisons, not promised rates. Some hourly guides were supplied and have not been independently validated role by role; others show selected advertised examples. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Pay presentation reviewed 28 September 2026.