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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
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.
Other titles employers use
Engineering Geologist · Environmental Protection Geologist · Exploration Geologist · Geological Specialist · Geologist · Geophysicist · Geoscientist · Mine Geologist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, practical and organizing work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
Subjects to know
- Geography
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Physics
Useful strengths
- Written Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.6 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 2.6 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 2.4 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A master's degree 47%
- A four-year degree 37%
- A doctorate or professional degree 16%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Geographic information system
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Document management software
- Electronic mail software
- Office suite software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 6,590
- Job openings each year
- 580
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 23.9%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 6,590 | 580 | 23.9% |
| California | 4,600 | 380 | 7.0% |
| Colorado | 2,780 | 240 | 21.4% |
| Washington | 1,470 | 170 | 28.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 840 | 70 | 5.0% |
| Arizona | 800 | 70 | 12.7% |
| New York | 800 | 10 | 11.1% |
| Oklahoma | 670 | 60 | 9.8% |
| Florida | 660 | 60 | 20.0% |
| Oregon | 640 | 60 | 23.1% |
| Virginia | 630 | 50 | 6.8% |
| Georgia | 530 | 40 | 15.2% |
| North Carolina | 520 | 50 | 20.9% |
| Michigan | 500 | 40 | 4.2% |
| Louisiana | 490 | 40 | 4.3% |
| Nevada | 480 | 40 | 23.1% |
| Alaska | 450 | 40 | 9.8% |
| Indiana | 430 | 40 | 10.3% |
| Kansas | 420 | 30 | 5.0% |
| Utah | 400 | 40 | 25.0% |
| Tennessee | 390 | 30 | 21.9% |
| Ohio | 370 | 30 | 2.8% |
| Illinois | 360 | 30 | 5.9% |
| Maryland | 360 | 30 | 5.9% |
| Mississippi | 360 | 30 | — |
| Montana | 320 | 30 | 14.3% |
| New Jersey | 280 | 20 | 7.7% |
| Kentucky | 260 | 20 | 4.0% |
| Wyoming | 210 | 20 | 10.5% |
| Missouri | 170 | 10 | 6.3% |
| Wisconsin | 170 | 20 | 21.4% |
| New Mexico | 160 | 10 | 6.7% |
| South Carolina | 160 | 10 | 14.3% |
| Alabama | 150 | 10 | — |
| Arkansas | 140 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Delaware | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Minnesota | 140 | 10 | 16.7% |
| West Virginia | 140 | 10 | −6.7% |
| Connecticut | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Idaho | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Nebraska | 110 | 10 | — |
| New Hampshire | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| North Dakota | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| Iowa | 80 | 10 | — |
| South Dakota | 80 | 10 | 14.3% |
| Maine | 70 | 10 | — |
| Massachusetts | 70 | 10 | — |
| Rhode Island | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| Puerto Rico | 30 | 0 | — |
| Virgin Islands | 10 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Washington State University
- Degrees each year
- 130
- Admit rate
- 85%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
Southern New Hampshire University
- Degrees each year
- 91
- Admit rate
- 96%
- Annual cost after aid
- $37,000
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Degrees each year
- 89
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 82
- Admit rate
- 54%
- Annual cost after aid
- $26,000
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
- Degrees each year
- 82
- Admit rate
- 50%
- Annual cost after aid
- $23,000
Texas A & M University-College Station
- Degrees each year
- 118
- Admit rate
- 63%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
Mississippi State University
- Degrees each year
- 70
- Admit rate
- 76%
- Annual cost after aid
- $19,000
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Degrees each year
- 70
- Admit rate
- 80%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
Compare every college offering geological and earth sciences/geosciences