How to become an Exploration Manager

Plans, implements, leads and manages geological exploration programs for an organisation to identify, examine and evaluate economically viable resources.

Main tasks

• Develops, implements, executes and manages exploration programs, strategies and plans in alignment with organisational objectives
• Ensures exploration programs comply with safety, quality control and other industry best practices
• Assesses geological and technical data to evaluate exploration targets and prioritise exploration activities
• Assesses, evaluates and guides decision-making on the lease or acquisition of potential resource sites
• Provides leadership and manages exploration geology teams

Ways in

• University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Mining Exploration (RII30520)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $147,940 a year
• About 68,800 people work in this job group now, and about 82,900 are projected by 2035. (+20.4%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Exploration Manager?

Ways in include: Science degrees; Certificate III in Mining Exploration.

How much does an Exploration Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $147,940 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Exploration Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 68,800 to about 82,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Exploration Manager?

Not always. 53% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Science degrees; Certificate III in Mining Exploration.

Will AI change the work of an Exploration Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04