Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

SOC: 19-2042 O*NET: 19-2042.00
Median Salary
$101,920
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5

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.

What does a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 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.

How much can you earn?

Entry Level
$59,330
10th percentile
Early Career
$75,110
25th percentile
Median
$101,920
50th percentile
Experienced
$139,380
75th percentile
Top Earners
$200,230
90th percentile

National Salary Distribution

10th
$59,330
25th
$75,110
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$101,920
Mean: $116,150
75th
$139,380
90th
$200,230
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)

Key Insights

  • Salary range spans $140,900 from entry level to top earners
  • Middle 50% earn between $75,110 and $139,380
  • Salary spread is 63.1% around the median, showing high variation
  • Total national employment: 23,470 professionals

What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:25,100

Top Industries

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services49.5%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services49.5%
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services29.5%

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+3.2%
Annual Openings:2,000

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)25,100
Current
2034 (Projected)26,000
+3.2%
+800
Employment Change
+3.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: As fast as average

Geographic Salary & Employment Data

Explore where Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers professionals work across the United States

Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
4,900 jobs$145,2202.31x
California
3,350 jobs$106,5001.22x
Colorado
1,480 jobs$114,4103.42x
Pennsylvania
910 jobs$84,1801.00x
Washington
840 jobs$105,0201.57x
Oklahoma
770 jobs$119,9902.99x
Florida
660 jobs$95,1400.44x
New York
600 jobs$86,4100.41x
North Carolina
570 jobs$95,2600.76x
Arizona
550 jobs$85,1901.13x
Nevada
520 jobs$99,8902.21x
Louisiana
440 jobs$91,5601.51x
Alaska
430 jobs$107,4108.78x
Massachusetts
420 jobs$108,2100.77x
Illinois
410 jobs$96,9500.44x

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
Geography
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
100%
#3
Inductive Reasoning
100%
#4
Critical Thinking
94%
#5
Mathematics
92%
#6
Written Comprehension
92%
#7
Science
86%
#8
English Language
82%
#9
Category Flexibility
82%
#10
Speaking
80%

Skills Overview

Geography
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Inductive Reasoning
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Mathematics
advanced4.6
92%
Written Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Science
intermediate4.3
86%
English Language
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:

Geography

advanced
Importance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0

Reading Comprehension

advanced
Importance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0

Inductive Reasoning

advanced
Importance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0

Critical Thinking

advanced
Importance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0

Mathematics

advanced
Importance92%
knowledge
4.6/5.0

Written Comprehension

advanced
Importance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0

Science

intermediate
Importance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0

English Language

intermediate
Importance82%
knowledge
4.1/5.0

Category Flexibility

intermediate
Importance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0

Speaking

intermediate
Importance80%
skills
4.0/5.0

Chemistry

intermediate
Importance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0

Complex Problem Solving

advanced
Importance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0

Highly Transferable Skills

These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:

Atmospheric and Space Scientists100%
5 shared skills
Statisticians100%
5 shared skills
Hydrologists100%
5 shared skills
Materials Engineers100%
5 shared skills
Materials Scientists100%
5 shared skills
Mathematicians100%
5 shared skills

Skills by Career Stage

Entry Level

Must Have:
  • Speaking
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
Learn on the Job:
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Physics

Mid Career

Expected:
  • Speaking
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • Reading Comprehension

Senior Level

Mastery Required:
  • Speaking
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • 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 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

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

SAS

🔥 Hot Tech

The MathWorks MATLAB

🔥 Hot Tech

Autodesk AutoCAD

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Access

🔥 Hot Tech

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

Key technologies used in this career

SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Access

📚 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
MIXED
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL

💡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 mixed environments?
  • Can you meet high physical demands?
  • Do you enjoy some team team environments?
  • Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?

What are the key tasks?

Tasks & Responsibilities

21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (4)Planning & Development (7)General Responsibilities (7)Management & Supervision (1)Communication & Coordination (2)
1

Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
100%
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform
2

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.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
98%
Planning & Development97% perform
3

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.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
96%
General Responsibilities94% perform
4

Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
94%
Management & Supervision91% perform
5

Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
92%
General Responsibilities88% perform
6

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.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
90%
Analysis & Evaluation85% perform
7

Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
88%
Planning & Development82% perform
8

Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
86%
Planning & Development79% perform
9

Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.

🟡
Weekly
Importance:
84%
Communication & Coordination76% perform
10

Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.

🟡
Weekly
Importance:
82%
General Responsibilities73% perform

💡 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 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

💡 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?

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value independence

IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional

Important Personality Traits

Work styles that contribute to success as a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Analytical Thinking

Critical

Analytical Thinking

Importance Level4.59

Integrity

Critical

Integrity

Importance Level4.56

Attention to Detail

Very Important

Attention to Detail

Importance Level4.44

Persistence

Very Important

Persistence

Importance Level4.29

Initiative

Very Important

Initiative

Importance Level4.23

Cooperation

Very Important

Cooperation

Importance Level4.19

Complete Work Styles Profile

Analytical Thinking
4.6
Integrity
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.4
Persistence
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Cooperation
4.2
Dependability
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Achievement/Effort
4.0
Independence
4.0

💡 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 plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years

Preparation Level

Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed

Experience Needed

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed

📚 Education Requirement

Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree

Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.

Training:

Extensive training and work experience required

💼 Experience Requirement

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed

Common pathways to gain experience:

  • Master's or doctoral degree
  • Extensive work experience in the field
  • State licensure or professional certification
5

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.

Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification

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