Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Also called: Engineering Geologist · Environmental Protection Geologist · Exploration Geologist · Geological Specialist · Geologist · Geophysicist
Median pay (national)
$99,240
$58,790–$178,880 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
22,510
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+3.2%
~2,000 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $178,880 versus $58,790 at the bottom 10% — 3.0x. The median of $99,240 leaves roughly 80% 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 +3.2% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 2,000 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 51 states with released data, Texas pays the most for this role (median $155,330, +57% vs the national median), while Georgia sits lowest at $62,850 — a 147% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Science 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 Autodesk AutoCAD, ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems, Git as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
- Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
- Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
- Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
- Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
- Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.
- Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
Tools & technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Geographic information system GIS systems
- Git
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Python
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- MySQL
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- ACD Systems Canvas
Knowledge areas
- Geography
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training