Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Also called: Core Inspector · Environmental Field Services Technician · Environmental Sampling Technician · Geological E-Logger · Geological Technician · Geoscience Technician
Median pay (national)
$48,390
$32,830–$92,210 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
9,710
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+1.5%
~1,300 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $92,210 versus $32,830 at the bottom 10% — 2.8x. The median of $48,390 leaves roughly 91% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +1.5% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 1,300 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 31 states with released data, Nevada pays the most for this role (median $72,440, +50% vs the national median), while Michigan sits lowest at $37,620 — a 93% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook as in-demand technologies for this role.
Tailor your resume to Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.
Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Science
- Learning Strategies
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
- Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
- Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
- Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
- Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
- Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.
- Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Adobe Illustrator
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- SAP software
- Clark Labs IDRISI Andes
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Database software
- Dynamic Graphics EarthVision
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Geographic information system GIS systems
- Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Golden Software Surfer
- Halliburton ProMAX
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Geography
- Customer and Personal Service