How to become a Production Manager
Official title: Production Manager (Mining)
Also called: Mine Manager, Mine Superintendent
Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the production activities of a mining operation, including physical and human resources.
Main tasks
- Plans and develops strategies for the production activities of a mining operation, and organises and coordinates the allocation of physical and human resources
- Directs and controls the implementation of production plans and schedules
- Monitors and evaluates the performance of mining production activities
- Develops and implements quality control measures for mining production, and ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations
- May oversee short-term mine design activities
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Drilling Management (RII60415); Advanced Diploma of Extractive Industries Management (RII60220); Advanced Diploma of Metalliferous Mining (RII60120); Advanced Diploma of Surface Coal Mining Management (RII60720); Advanced Diploma of Underground Coal Mining Management (RII60320); Certificate III in Resource Processing (RII30420); Certificate IV in Resource Processing (RII40520); Certificate IV in Surface Extraction Operations (RII40120)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $119,496 a year
- About 62,200 people work in this job group now, and about 72,700 are projected by 2035. (+16.8%)
- 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 a Production Manager?
Ways in include: Science degrees; Advanced Diploma of Drilling Management; Advanced Diploma of Extractive Industries Management.
How much does a Production Manager earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $119,496 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Production Manager a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2035, from about 62,200 to about 72,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Production Manager?
Not always. 41% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Science degrees; Advanced Diploma of Drilling Management; Advanced Diploma of Extractive Industries Management.
Will AI change the work of a Production 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