Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. The role reports a median annual salary of $48,390 in the US and is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a Associate's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.54 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Monitoring, Time Management.
Pay in the UK
UK: median £28,210 a year for Laboratory technicians (ONS ASHE 2025, full-time)
Middle half of full-time jobs: £24,975 to £34,028 a year
UK jobs are grouped differently; this is the closest UK occupation group (ONS SOC 2020 3111). ONS rates this estimate precise. 2025 provisional figures; ONS revises them a year later. Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Open Government Licence)
Pay in India (occupation group)
Average monthly earnings of salaried employees in the occupation group “Technicians and associate professionals” in India, from the Government of India's Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025). It covers everyone in this group, not only Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians, and it is not US pay converted to rupees.
Source: MoSPI (Government of India), Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, Table 51 — average wage/salary earnings of regular wage/salaried employees, NCO-2015 division 3. Official India data gives one average per occupation group: there are no official India figures for single careers, experience levels or cities. Read the report
How to get here in India
No single fixed route is listed for this career. These Indian degrees lead to it, according to the US CIP–SOC education-to-occupation crosswalk; open a degree for its entrance exams and colleges.[1]
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Geology — B.Sc / B.Sc (Hons) in Geology (three years, or four with honours under NEP)
Entrance exams: CUET-UG, JEE Advanced
Rules change: check the exam body's and regulator's current notice before you apply.
- CIP 2020 – SOC 2018 crosswalk (NCES / BLS) (read on 2026-09-27)
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Geography
- Customer and Personal Service
What you'd actually do
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
- Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
- Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians do?
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
How much does Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians earn?
The median annual salary for Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians in the US is $48,390.
What is the job outlook for Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians?
The role is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 9,800 workers.
How do I become geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians?
The typical entry education is a Associate's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Monitoring, Time Management, Active Listening. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians?
Our AI-durability model gives Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians a score of 0.54 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.