How to become a Mining Supervisor

Also called: Mine Deputy, Mining Leading Hand

Oversees the safety of mining operations and supervises Miners.

Main tasks

• Supervises and coordinates the work of Miners
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations and procedures in mining operations
• Inspects mining areas to identify potential hazards and risks
• Trains and educates miners on safety protocols and procedures
• Monitors and evaluates the performance of Miners in relation to safety practices

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Drilling Management (RII60415); Diploma of Drilling Operations (RII50620); Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations (RII30120); Certificate III in Underground Coal Operations (RII30220); Certificate IV in Drilling Operations (RII40920); Certificate IV in Resource Processing (RII40520); Certificate IV in Surface Coal Mining (Open Cut Examiner) (RII40220); Certificate IV in Surface Extraction Operations (RII40120)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $153,608 a year
• About 39,400 people work in this job group now, and about 44,000 are projected by 2035. (+11.7%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Mining Supervisor?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Drilling Management; Diploma of Drilling Operations.

How much does a Mining Supervisor earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $153,608 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Mining Supervisor a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 39,400 to about 44,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Mining Supervisor?

Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Drilling Management; Diploma of Drilling Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Mining Supervisor?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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