Geoscientists
Career, Salary and Education Information
What They Do: Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
Work Environment: Most geoscientists split their time between working indoors in offices and laboratories, and working outdoors. Doing research and investigations outdoors is commonly called fieldwork and can require irregular working hours and extensive travel to remote locations.
How to Become One: Geoscientists need at least a bachelor’s degree for most entry-level positions. However, some workers begin their careers as geoscientists with a master’s degree.
Salary: The median annual wage for geoscientists is $83,680.
Job Outlook: Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 75 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geoscientists with similar occupations.
What Geoscientists Do[About this section] [To Top]
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.
Duties of Geoscientists
Geoscientists typically do the following:
- Plan and carry out field studies, in which they visit locations to collect samples and conduct surveys
- Analyze aerial photographs, well logs (detailed records of geologic formations found during drilling), rock samples, and other data sources to locate deposits of natural resources and estimate their size
- Conduct laboratory tests on samples collected in the field
- Make geologic maps and charts
- Prepare written scientific reports
- Present their findings to clients, colleagues, and other interested parties
Geoscientists use a wide variety of tools, both simple and complex. During a typical day in the field, they may use a hammer and chisel to collect rock samples and then use ground-penetrating radar equipment to search for oil or minerals. In laboratories, they may use x rays and electron microscopes to determine the chemical and physical composition of rock samples. They may also use remote sensing equipment to collect data, as well as geographic information systems (GIS) and modeling software to analyze the data collected.
Geoscientists often supervise the work of technicians and coordinate work with other scientists, both in the field and in the lab.
Many geoscientists are involved in the search for and development of natural resources, such as petroleum. Others work in environmental protection and preservation, and are involved in projects to clean up and reclaim land. Some specialize in a particular aspect of the Earth, such as its oceans.
The following are examples of types of geoscientists:
Geologists study the materials, processes, and history of the Earth. They investigate how rocks were formed and what has happened to them since their formation. There are subgroups of geologists as well, such as stratigraphers, who study stratified rock, and mineralogists, who study the structure and composition of minerals.
Geochemists use physical and organic chemistry to study the composition of elements found in ground water, such as water from wells or aquifers, and of earth materials, such as rocks and sediment.
Geophysicists use the principles of physics to learn about the Earth's surface and interior. They also study the properties of Earth's magnetic, electric, and gravitational fields.
Oceanographers study the motion and circulation of ocean waters; the physical and chemical properties of the oceans; and how these properties affect coastal areas, climate, and weather.
Paleontologists study fossils found in geological formations in order to trace the evolution of plant and animal life and the geologic history of the Earth.
Petroleum geologists explore the Earth for oil and gas deposits. They analyze geological information to identify sites that should be explored. They collect rock and sediment samples from sites through drilling and other methods and test the samples for the presence of oil and gas. They also estimate the size of oil and gas deposits and work to develop sites to extract oil and gas.
Seismologists study earthquakes and related phenomena, such as tsunamis. They use seismographs and other instruments to collect data on these events.
For a more extensive list of geoscientist specialties, visit the American Geosciences Institute.
People with a geoscience background may become postsecondary teachers.
Work Environment for Geoscientists[About this section] [To Top]
Geoscientists hold about 24,900 jobs. The largest employers of geoscientists are as follows:
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 26% |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 19% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 13% |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 10% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 9% |
Geoscientists work in states that have a prominence of oil and gas activities. Workers in natural resource extraction fields usually work as part of a team, with other scientists and engineers. For example, they may work closely with petroleum engineers to find and develop new sources of oil and natural gas.
Most geoscientists split their time between working in the field, in laboratories, and in offices. Fieldwork can take geoscientists to remote locations all over the world. For example, oceanographers may spend months at sea on a research ship, and petroleum geologists may spend long periods in remote areas while doing exploration activities. Extensive travel and long periods away from home can be physically and psychologically demanding. Having outdoor skills, such as camping and hiking skills, may be useful.
Geoscientist Work Schedules
Most geoscientists work full time. They may work additional or irregular hours when doing fieldwork. Geoscientists travel frequently to meet with clients and to conduct fieldwork.
How to Become a Geoscientist[About this section] [To Top]
Get the education you need: Find schools for Geoscientists near you!
Geoscientists need at least a bachelor's degree for most entry-level positions. However, some workers begin their careers as geoscientists with a master's degree.
Education for Geoscientists
Geoscientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree for most entry-level positions. A geosciences degree is generally preferred by employers, although some geoscientists begin their careers with degrees in environmental science or engineering. Some geoscientist jobs require a master's degree.
Most geoscience programs include geology courses in mineralogy, petrology, and structural geology, which are important for all geoscientists. In addition to classes in geology, most programs require students to take courses in other physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computer science.
Some programs include training on specific software packages that will be useful to those seeking a career as a geoscientist. In addition to classroom and lab courses, most degree programs also include summer geology field camp courses that provide students with practical experience before graduating.
Important Qualities for Geoscientists
Communication skills. Geoscientists write reports and research papers. They must be able to present their findings clearly to other scientists and team members as well as clients or professionals who do not have a background in geoscience.
Critical-thinking skills. Geoscientists base their findings on sound observation and careful evaluation of data.
Outdoor skills. Geoscientists may spend significant time outdoors. Familiarity with camping and hiking and a general sense of comfort being outside for long periods is useful when performing fieldwork.
Physical stamina. Geoscientists may need to hike to remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment when they conduct fieldwork.
Problem-solving skills. Geoscientists work on complex projects filled with challenges. Evaluating statistical data and other forms of information in order to make judgments and inform the actions of other workers requires a special ability to perceive and address problems.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Geoscientists
Geologists are licensed in 31 states. Although a license is not required to work as a geologist in many cases, geologists that offer services to the public in these states must be licensed. Public services include activities such as those associated with civil engineering projects, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. Applicants must meet minimum education and experience requirements and earn a passing score on an exam. All states that license geologists use the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG), Fundamentals of Geology Exam (FGE).
Contact your state board of registration of geologists for more information.
Geoscientist Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]
Salary Calculator
Entry Level Experienced
The median annual wage for geoscientists is $83,680. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $172,490.
The median annual wages for geoscientists in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | $119,210 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | $103,960 |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | $81,700 |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | $77,750 |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | $76,270 |
Most geoscientists work full time and may work additional or irregular hours when doing fieldwork. Geoscientists travel frequently to meet with clients and to conduct fieldwork.
Job Outlook for Geoscientists[About this section] [To Top]
Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 5 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 2,400 openings for geoscientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire
Employment of Geoscientists
The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management is expected to spur demand for geoscientists.
Geoscientists will be involved in discovering and developing sites for traditional and alternative energy sources. For example, geoscientists study wind speeds and patterns to determine sites that are suitable for wind turbines. The increased use of and demand for alternative energy should lead to more jobs for these workers.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers | 24,900 | 26,200 | 5 | 1,200 |
More Geoscientist Information[About this section] [To Top]
For more information about geoscientists, visit
American Geosciences Institute
U.S. National Committee for Geological Sciences
For information about petroleum geologists, visit
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
For more information about licensure for geologists, visit
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.