Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
SOC: 19-4043 O*NET: 19-4043.00
Median Salary
$53,350
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.6%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
What does a Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,770
10th percentile
Early Career
$44,850
25th percentile
Median
$53,350
50th percentile
Experienced
$72,110
75th percentile
Top Earners
$99,560
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,770
25th
$44,850
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$53,350
Mean: $61,870
75th
$72,110
90th
$99,560
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $63,790 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $44,850 and $72,110
- •Salary spread is 51.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 6,980 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:7,300
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services53.6%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services53.6%
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services44.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.6%
Annual Openings:1,000
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)7,300
Current
2035 (Projected)7,600
+3.6%
+300
Employment Change
+3.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 35 locations
Texas
2,190 jobs$46,8403.47x
California
480 jobs$69,4100.59x
Oklahoma
410 jobs$46,8905.28x
Florida
300 jobs$49,9800.67x
New York
280 jobs$57,1500.65x
Nevada
260 jobs$73,7003.79x
North Carolina
250 jobs$48,0901.15x
Pennsylvania
240 jobs$47,3800.87x
Louisiana
160 jobs$59,1201.79x
Michigan
150 jobs$58,8600.74x
Ohio
130 jobs$48,8900.53x
Tennessee
110 jobs$63,0500.75x
Montana
100 jobs$55,5204.46x
Wyoming
90 jobs$63,0706.83x
Colorado
90 jobs$61,7800.71x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Computers and Electronics
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
100%
#3
Written Comprehension
100%
#4
Critical Thinking
94%
#5
Oral Comprehension
92%
#6
Mathematics
90%
#7
Writing
86%
#8
Information Ordering
82%
#9
Monitoring
80%
#10
Engineering and Technology
80%
Skills Overview
Computers and Electronics
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Written Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Mathematics
advanced4.5
90%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
Information Ordering
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Computers and Electronics
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Written Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Mathematics
advancedImportance90%
knowledge
4.5/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Information Ordering
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Engineering and Technology
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Anesthesiologists82%
5 shared skills
Broadcast Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Dental Laboratory Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Desktop Publishers82%
5 shared skills
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Computers and Electronics
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Engineering and Technology
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Chemistry
- →Physics
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Computers and Electronics
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Engineering and Technology
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Computers and Electronics
- ★Mathematics
- ★Engineering and Technology
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Illustrator
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
ESRI ArcGIS software
Adobe Illustrator
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (3)Documentation & Record-Keeping (7)General Responsibilities (6)Operations & Execution (1)Planning & Development (2)Management & Supervision (2)
1
Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.42
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.41
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.17
Analytical Thinking
ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level3.91
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.91
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.86
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.4
Integrity
4.4
Dependability
4.2
Analytical Thinking
3.9
Independence
3.9
Initiative
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
Persistence
3.8
Cooperation
3.6
Achievement/Effort
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
797 program completions/year
College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
744 program completions/year
American River College
Sacramento, CA
677 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
605 program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
539 program completions/year
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA
524 program completions/year
Gaston College
Dallas, NC
512 program completions/year
Ohlone College
Fremont, CA
507 program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
498 program completions/year
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, CA
496 program completions/year
Folsom Lake College
Folsom, CA
494 program completions/year