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Mining Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Your profile as a Mining Gearbox Mechanic * High School diploma or equivalent required * 3+ Years disassembling, assembling, inspecting industrial heavy equipment transmissions and gear boxes. * Read ...

Tracking of mining royalties * Updating required MSHA and ATF documentation * Ensuring appropriate ground support is implemented * Assisting in managing the crew, as required * Completing design work ...

Your profile as a Mining Gearbox Mechanic * High School diploma or equivalent required * 3+ Years disassembling, assembling, inspecting industrial heavy equipment transmissions and gear boxes. * Read ...

Your profile as a Mining Gearbox Mechanic * High School diploma or equivalent required * 3+ Years disassembling, assembling, inspecting industrial heavy equipment transmissions and gear boxes. * Read ...

Your profile as a Mining Gearbox Mechanic * High School diploma or equivalent required * 3+ Years disassembling, assembling, inspecting industrial heavy equipment transmissions and gear boxes. * Read ...

Position Overview Coeur Mining Inc. is searching for a highly motivated and committed individual for our Silvertip Project Director position. Reporting to the Vice President - Projects, the Project ...

Coeur is the only mining company with headquarters in Chicago. The office is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Chicago, near public transportation. Coeur offers a flexible, hybrid work ...

Tracking of mining royalties * Updating required MSHA and ATF documentation * Ensuring appropriate ground support is implemented * Assisting in managing the crew, as required * Completing design work ...

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Mining information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17

$27

$35

How much do mining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for mining in Chicago, IL is $27.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are mining jobs?

Mining jobs involve the extraction of minerals, metals, and other geological materials from the earth. These positions can range from operating heavy machinery and explosives to supervising mine operations, conducting geological surveys, or ensuring safety compliance. Mining professionals work in various environments, including underground mines, open-pit mines, and quarries. The industry offers a wide range of roles, including engineers, geologists, equipment operators, and safety inspectors. Mining jobs often require specialized training and adherence to strict safety standards due to the potentially hazardous nature of the work.

How can I get into a mining job?

To get into a mining job, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant safety certifications, and physical fitness. Prior experience or training in operating heavy machinery or understanding mining safety protocols can improve job prospects, and some positions may require specialized technical skills or apprenticeships.

What is the difference between Mining vs Drilling?

AspectMiningDrilling
Primary FocusExtraction of minerals, ores, and resources from the earthCreating boreholes or shafts to access underground or surface resources
Work EnvironmentSurface and underground sites, often in remote locationsSurface or underground, often on construction or exploration sites
CertificationsMining safety certifications, heavy equipment operationDrilling certifications, safety training
Industry UsageMining companies, resource extraction industriesOil & gas, mineral exploration, construction

Mining involves extracting minerals and resources from the earth, often requiring heavy machinery and safety certifications. Drilling focuses on creating boreholes for resource access, used in oil, gas, and mineral exploration. While both roles operate in resource industries and may share safety training, their primary tasks and environments differ significantly.

What are different careers in the mining industry?

Careers in mining include mine workers, technicians, and other laborers who work at and manage mining sites. Other mining industry positions include engineers, surveyors, and scientists who help design mine infrastructure, explore potential new sites, and analyze samples that are collected from survey sites or during the extraction process. There are also employees whose responsibilities include transporting mining equipment in and carrying out minerals and other natural materials. Depending on the job, you may spend most of your time on a mining site or perform the bulk of your duties in an office or lab setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in mining, and why are they important?

To thrive in mining, you need a solid understanding of geology, mining methods, and safety protocols, often supported by a degree in mining engineering or related fields. Familiarity with mining software (like Surpac or MineSight), heavy machinery, and relevant safety certifications (such as MSHA or OSHA) is essential. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help professionals adapt to challenging environments and coordinate effectively. These skills and qualifications ensure safe operations, resource optimization, and compliance with industry standards in a demanding industry.

Do miners get paid well?

Mining jobs typically offer competitive wages, especially for experienced workers and those with specialized skills or certifications. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the type of mining, with some positions offering substantial pay due to the demanding environment and safety requirements.

What are common challenges faced by mining professionals in maintaining safety standards on-site?

Mining professionals often encounter challenges such as operating heavy machinery in hazardous conditions, ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations, and adapting to changing geological environments. Maintaining safety standards requires constant vigilance, regular training, and effective communication among team members. Collaborative efforts between engineers, supervisors, and safety officers are essential to identify potential risks and implement proactive measures, making teamwork and adaptability crucial skills in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mining jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Mining jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Mining jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Mining jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Mining jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Mining job openings:
Infographic showing various Mining job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Nights. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $57,547 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Vulcan Materials rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

294th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Summary
A Mining Engineer leads engineering projects and initiatives for both surface and underground aggregate mining operations. This senior-level position requires exceptional technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor and guide junior engineers. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing mining processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement in productivity and safety. Provides support primarily to Plant and Area Managers and the Geological Services staff.
Essential Functions
Proficient in the use of Excel, AutoCAD Civil 3D and Carlson Software.
Gather and utilize geologic drill data and mine planning data (stripping ratios, stone reserves, quality of stone, hydrology data, rock mechanics, etc.) to design mining schedules and 3-D mine plans, including mine configuration and final wall slopes.
Make design recommendations to operations and Geological Services staff.
As directed, may interact with outside consultants for mine planning and mining engineering projects.
Assist operations personnel to assure compliance with permit conditions, laws, regulations, guidelines, and maintenance requirements of the systems necessary for compliance.
Develop short-term and long-term underground mine plans and assist with ground control activities.
Assist with maintaining and reviewing survey data.
Identify, propose and justify projects which will improve costs and efficiency.
Assist and consult with operations managers with assessments geared toward lowering operating costs in both underground and open pit extraction areas.
Assist in preparation of stripping bid packages.
Maintain an updated life-of-mine site plan for all locations.
Assist in preparation of presentations, documentations, reports and maps as needed.
Maintain topographic maps/site maps on the network server in an up-to-date and current status.
Critical Competencies
Communication - Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, while actively listening and adapting the message to the audience.
Team Player - Works cooperatively and effectively with team members to achieve shared goals, willingly assisting others and fostering a positive and productive team environment.
Interpersonal Savvy - Engages openly and comfortably with diverse groups, demonstrating tact, sensitivity, and consideration to ease interpersonal situations. Quickly establishes rapport and fosters positive connections.
Safety Awareness - Ability to recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols and procedures in the workplace; proactive in identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate risks, and ensuring that both personal and collective safety are maintained in all tasks and environments.
Technical Expertise: Maintains cutting edge awareness of latest development in a specific field by scanning multiple sources of information or data (e.g. periodicals, networks of contacts.)

Compensation. This is a salaried position. The salary range for this role is between $100,000-$120,000 annually. When determining a candidate's compensation, we consider a number of factors, including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data. This position will be provided with a company vehicle. This range is not inclusive of our discretionary bonus or equity package, which also applies to this position.

Education
Mining Engineering degree strongly preferred, but Geology, Geological Engineering, Civil Engineering or other Engineering degree with mining experience would be considered
Experience
5-7 years of geology, mining engineering or mining operations experience.
Strong background in underground mining required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary.
Must have the ability, either through formal training or experience, to create mine plans and schedules, compute stone reserves, draw and interpret topographic maps, identify cost savings opportunities, and understand and assist with financial analyses.
Proficiency needed in 3D-CAD design and other computer related software, as well as basic surveying, mining engineering, and geologic concepts of quarrying, particularly as they relate to underground room and pillar mining.
Must have strong understanding of how federal, state and local regulations and statutes affect mine planning affairs.
Knowledge of hydrogeology and water management is helpful.
Other Requirements
Some travel and periodically requiring overnight stay.
Work environment will be both indoors in an office and outside in a quarry or vacant land.
Must be able to work at a desktop computer for several hours a day while in the office.
Must be able to walk and carry computer field equipment or survey equipment when working outside.
The outside setting will expose the employee to changes in weather, temperature, and humidity and will require walking on uneven and sometimes steep ground surfaces.
May be required to climb slopes, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, crawl or reach above shoulders to accomplish functions of the job.
Position will require ability to operate a motor vehicle within a quarry area as well as on the open road, which would require the use of both hands and feet.
JD Disclaimer
Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.

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