Career profile · SOC 19-2042

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May apply geological knowledge to such fields as mining, oil and gas extraction, water supply, civil engineering, or environmental remediation.

Median salary
$99,240
per year
Growth outlook
Average
BLS 10-yr
Education
Bachelor's degree
AI exposure
4.9/10
automation risk

Salary distribution (US)

Real salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The p10–p90 spread tells you more than the median alone.

Bottom 10%
$51,100
25th %ile
$66,950
Median
$99,240
75th %ile
$126,510
Top 10%
$160,710

Top skills

Critical Thinking Science Reading Comprehension Active Learning Complex Problem Solving Writing Speaking Mathematics Judgment and Decision Making Active Listening

Knowledge you'll build

  • Geography
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • English Language
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Biology

A day in the life

Your morning could begin at a drill site in the desert, logging rock core samples and studying sediment layers to advise an energy company on where to drill next. By midday you are using GIS software and seismic data to build 3D models of underground formations, looking for mineral deposits or assessing earthquake risk. Afternoons might involve writing reports for mining permits, presenting geological survey results to environmental regulators, or preparing a lecture for an introductory geology course. The job takes you from remote mountain outcrops to high-tech labs, and the puzzle of reading Earth's four-billion-year story from rocks never gets old.

Related careers

Is Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers right for you?

Take the Holland test + Big-5 to see how well this career matches your profile.

Get personalised fit →