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
$48,390
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.3
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
$32,830
10th percentile
Early Career
$39,200
25th percentile
Median
$48,390
50th percentile
Experienced
$64,470
75th percentile
Top Earners
$92,210
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$32,830
25th
$39,200
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$48,390
Mean: $58,220
75th
$64,470
90th
$92,210
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $59,380 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $39,200 and $64,470
- •Salary spread is 52.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 9,710 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:9,800
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services54.7%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services54.7%
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services41.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.5%
Annual Openings:1,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)9,800
Current
2034 (Projected)10,000
+1.5%
+100
Employment Change
+1.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 31 locations
Texas
3,670 jobs$43,7804.21x
California
830 jobs$63,1600.73x
Oklahoma
750 jobs$44,6407.01x
Pennsylvania
510 jobs$43,3401.36x
Nevada
350 jobs$72,4403.66x
Tennessee
190 jobs$51,0100.91x
Florida
180 jobs$49,3700.30x
New York
170 jobs$51,6100.28x
Oregon
150 jobs$56,5901.21x
Illinois
130 jobs$46,8800.34x
Utah
120 jobs$61,1501.11x
Michigan
120 jobs$37,6200.43x
Alaska
110 jobs$67,7305.26x
North Dakota
110 jobs$48,5404.01x
West Virginia
110 jobs$45,9502.48x
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 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Writing
86%
#4
Monitoring
80%
#5
Time Management
74%
#6
Active Listening
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Operations Monitoring
46%
#10
Speaking
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Time Management
intermediate3.7
74%
Active Listening
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
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:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Operations Monitoring
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
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
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Judgment and Decision Making
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
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
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