Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
SOC Code: 19-2042Also known as:
Consultant Geologist, Core Analysis Operator, Core Analyst, Crystallographer, Development Geologist
Median Annual Salary
$99,240
+3.2% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
25K
Current Jobs
What 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.
💰 Salary
$99,240
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.2%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
25,100
Projected Employment (2034)
26,000
Related Careers
Soil and plant scientists
$71,410 •
+5.4% growth
Conservation scientists
$67,950 •
+3.4% growth
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
$80,060 •
+4.4% growth
Hydrologists
$92,060 •
-0.1% growth
Geographers
$97,200 •
-3.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Science
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
- Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
- Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
- Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
- Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Master's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers:
Geology/Earth Science, General
5,715 degrees awarded •
435 colleges offer this program
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other
863 degrees awarded •
87 colleges offer this program
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
569 degrees awarded •
37 colleges offer this program
Marine Sciences
482 degrees awarded •
33 colleges offer this program
Geophysics and Seismology
197 degrees awarded •
33 colleges offer this program
Environmental Geosciences
96 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Earth Systems Science
43 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Geochemistry
33 degrees awarded •
12 colleges offer this program
Paleontology
25 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers make?
The median annual salary for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers is $99,240.
What education do geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers need?
Most geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Geology/Earth Science, General, Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other, Oceanography, Chemical and Physical.
Is becoming geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers a good career choice?
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers is projected to see +3.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers?
Top colleges for aspiring geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, Stanford University, University of California-San Diego, The University of Texas at Austin.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers?
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers may also be known as: Consultant Geologist, Core Analysis Operator, Core Analyst, Crystallographer, Development Geologist, Engineering Geologist, Environmental Geologist, Environmental Protection Geologist, Exploration Geologist, Field Geologist, Geochemist, Geodesist, Geological Scout, Geological Specialist, Geologist, Geomagnetist, Geomorphologist, Geophysical Prospector, Geophysicist, Geoscientist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.