Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

General Information

Description

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.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Job Outlook

Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 2,400 openings for geoscientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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Salary

Average Salary

Salary

$83,680

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

$130,030
$51,180
No Information for this section

Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Master's degree 43%
  • Bachelor's degree 37%
  • Doctoral degree 9%
  • Post-doctoral training 6%
  • Post baccalaureate 3%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Associate's degree 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Knowledge

  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language
  • Chemistry

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
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