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.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
SOC: 19-2042 O*NET: 19-2042.00
Median Salary
$99,240
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?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$58,790
10th percentile
Early Career
$72,440
25th percentile
Median
$99,240
50th percentile
Experienced
$134,350
75th percentile
Top Earners
$178,880
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$58,790
25th
$72,440
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$99,240
Mean: $111,310
75th
$134,350
90th
$178,880
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $120,090 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $72,440 and $134,350
- •Salary spread is 62.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 22,510 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 Services51.4%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services51.4%
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services33.3%
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
3,620 jobs$155,3301.79x
California
3,150 jobs$111,4001.20x
Colorado
1,420 jobs$99,9003.37x
Oklahoma
910 jobs$128,2403.69x
Washington
840 jobs$99,7801.62x
Florida
760 jobs$95,1100.53x
Pennsylvania
750 jobs$78,8900.86x
New York
700 jobs$84,9100.50x
Nevada
510 jobs$95,0902.27x
Arizona
510 jobs$83,6301.09x
North Carolina
490 jobs$79,7100.69x
Oregon
450 jobs$95,1201.58x
Louisiana
420 jobs$72,3401.52x
Michigan
400 jobs$81,8000.62x
Ohio
400 jobs$73,1200.50x
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
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Science
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Active Listening
54%
#9
Mathematics
46%
#10
Active Learning
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Science
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Listening
basic2.7
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
Science
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Mathematics
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
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
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Active Listening
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Science
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Science
- ★Complex Problem Solving
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 TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechTechnology 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:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
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:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
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:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
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:
Management & Supervision91% perform94%
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:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
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:
Analysis & Evaluation85% perform90%
7
Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Communication & Coordination76% perform84%
10
Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.
🟡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 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
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.59
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.56
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.44
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.29
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.23
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
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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