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.
Common Job Titles
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Geoscientist
- Project Geologist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeFormulate geological models and exploration strategies by synthesizing geophysical, geochemical, and stratigraphic evidence with theoretical frameworks.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign field investigation programs and sampling strategies that integrate multiple data sources to address exploration, environmental, or research objectives.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze geological, geochemical, and geophysical data from field and laboratory sources using specialized software and computational tools to interpret Earth's composition and structure.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate subsurface geological formations and mineral deposits for natural resource exploration, environmental assessment, or hazard mitigation independently in field and laboratory settings.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret seismic data, well logs, and geophysical survey results using GIS software and 3D visualization tools to identify subsurface features and resource potential.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate geological field equipment including GPS receivers, magnetometers, and seismographs in diverse terrain and environmental conditions following established protocols.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate interdisciplinary scientific perspectives with stakeholder needs when communicating geological findings to technical and non-technical audiences.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply mathematical and physics principles to geologic systems for quantitative analysis of Earth processes, resource estimation, and hazard assessment.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess environmental impact and compliance with regulatory standards for land reclamation, waste disposal, or natural resource extraction projects.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute sample collection and preparation procedures for rock, soil, and sediment analysis using specialized laboratory instruments and maintaining quality control standards.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
22,510
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $58,790. 25th percentile: U.S. $72,440. 50th percentile: U.S. $99,240. 75th percentile: U.S. $134,350. 90th percentile: U.S. $178,880. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $58,790 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $178,880 |
| Workers on average earn | $111,310 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Geography4.0/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Chemistry3.8/5
- Physics3.6/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Git
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
- MySQL
- Python
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
- ACD Systems Canvas
- Alara CRystalView
- Aquifer test software
- Atoll GeoCAD
- BOSS Didger
- Bentley Systems gINT
- Bilko
- ChemStat
Tools & Equipment
- Abney levels
- Agitators
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Alternating field demagnitizers
- Altimeters
- Analog map measurers
- Argon plasma atomic emission spectroscopes
- Atomic absorption AA spectrophotometers