Science
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.
Median pay
$101,920
Growth to 2035
+5%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
1,800
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers: 52% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
- Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
- 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.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
- 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.
- Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
Also called: Engineering Geologist · Environmental Protection Geologist · Exploration Geologist · Geologist · Geoscientist · Mine Geologist · Petroleum Geologist · Project Geologist
Outlook and AI
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers held 25,400 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 26,700 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers vs. Hydrologist
- Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers vs. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
- Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers vs. Conservation scientist
- Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers vs. Soil and plant scientists
- Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers vs. Geographer
- Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers vs. Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers
- Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers vs. Biological scientists, all other
- Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers vs. Data scientist
- Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers vs. Atmospheric and space scientists