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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeLower pressure

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $101,920 Median per year · $49.00/hr Most earn $59,330–$200,230

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Determine methods to incorporate geomethane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.
  • Research geomechanical or geochemical processes to be used in carbon sequestration projects.
  • Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
  • 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.
  • Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
  • Identify new sources of platinum group elements for industrial applications, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.

Job outlook

United States
5% more jobs by 2035, faster than average · about 1,800 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Engineering services21.2%
  • Management, scientific, and technical consulting services13.6%
  • Oil and gas extraction11.3%
  • State government, excluding education and hospitals9.3%
  • Federal government, excluding postal service8.8%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeExperience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

Most people in this career need a bachelor's degree in geology or another earth science, and many also gain some field or lab experience first. Counting school, it usually takes about 4 to 5 years to reach this job.

  1. Bachelor's degree in geology or earth science

    4 years

    You learn rocks, minerals, earth processes, and the math and physics behind them, which is the base every geoscientist needs.

  2. Geological Technician

    6 months to 1 year

    You help collect samples, run lab tests, and log field data under experienced geologists, which builds the hands-on skills employers look for.

  3. Geoscientist

    Ongoing

    You study the Earth's structure and resources, such as searching for minerals, oil, gas, or groundwater, or working on environmental problems.

Where it can lead

  1. Senior Geologist

    3-5 years of experience first

    You lead field projects, manage other geologists, and make key recommendations based on your analysis, which usually requires a strong track record and clear communication skills.

  2. Mining and Geological Engineer

    4-6 years of experience first

    You apply geology to designing and running mines or other projects, often with added engineering training or a license, which broadens your options into engineering work.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take earth science, chemistry, physics, and mathThese classes build the foundation you need for a geology degree and show whether you enjoy the subject.
  • Join a science club or rock and mineral clubWorking with others on projects builds teamwork and gives you a chance to explore geology hands-on.
  • Enter a science fair with an earth science projectCompetitions teach you to ask questions, collect data, and present findings, which are core geoscience skills.
  • Spend time outdoors and explore local geologyHiking, visiting quarries or nearby geological sites, and reading local maps help you see how the Earth shapes the land around you.
  • Get a starter job or volunteer outdoorsWork at a park, nature center, or farm to build responsibility and practical outdoor experience.

In college

  • Major in geology or earth scienceA geology major gives you the core courses that employers and graduate programs expect for this career.
  • Take GIS, statistics, and computer coursesMapping, data analysis, and programming skills are used in many modern geoscience jobs.
  • Join a geology club or student societyClubs often organize field trips and talks, which help you meet professionals and learn about job options.
  • Seek a summer field or lab internshipHands-on work with a company, agency, or research lab builds the experience employers look for right after graduation.
  • Work a campus job in a science lab or geology museumLab or collection work gives you practical skills in handling samples and equipment while you study.

Tips for getting started

  • Look for summer or part-time field jobs, such as assisting a survey crew or a local environmental consulting firm, since employers value real field experience alongside your degree.
  • Learn basic GIS mapping software and data tools like spreadsheets or Python, because many geoscience jobs now depend on them.
  • Take a lot of math and physics along with geology, since those subjects show up in almost every geoscience job.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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