Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
Geoscientists
Geoscientists 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.
Table of contents
What they do
Geoscientists 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.
Job desc
- Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources such as survey data, well logs, boreholes, or aerial photos.
- 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.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Geoscientists analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources such as survey data, well logs, boreholes, or aerial photos. They analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
A typical day for a Geoscientist will also include:
- Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
- Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Geoscientists also 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. They may also prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Geoscientists analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software. They might also locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
In addition, they advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.
To some Geoscientists, it is also their responsibility to 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.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
72% said they were satisfied with their job and 55% said they found their job meaningful.
I am Victoria Stevens, 31 years old, originally British, a postdoc researcher in the geology department at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
I research earthquakes and help to improve earthquake hazard forecasting. Unlike the stereotype of a geologist, I barely ever look at rocks. I spend most of my time coding (in MATLAB, R, and PYTHON), where I create statistical models based on earthquake data. I spend the rest of my time reading geology articles online and writing up my results to publish in academic journals. Occasionally I give presentations and attend conferences which take place all over the world.
Last summer I lectured the undergrad geology students in geophysics, so spent some time preparing lectures, practical classes, and exams. I co-supervise a master’s student, to who I give technical advice about the best analytical methods.
Even though I don’t look at rocks, I spend a few weeks per year doing fieldwork. In the past two years, I’ve visited both Namibia and Malawi to investigate their recent tectonic history.
Pros
- I love being in academics, as it gives me freedom over my work, I’m not told exactly what to do. I can manage my time as I want, as long as I meet deadlines.
- My work is extremely varied, there are so many different aspects to my geological research. I’m working on projects all over the world, in Tibet, Bhutan, Namibia, Malawi, and Scandinavia, and I love that I can learn something new every day.
- Most of my work involves improving earthquake hazard maps, which are used by engineers and disaster management agencies to lower the risk of fatalities in future earthquakes. It’s highly motivating to work on something that has so much real-world impact.
- Being a geologist is a great way to impress your friends whenever you’re in the outdoors. I can describe the geological history of the area just by studying the rocks and landscape.
- Being in academics allows me to live in many different places around the world, which I love. Wherever there is a university that researches geology, I have a chance of finding a job there.
Cons
- My specialization in tectonics and geophysics is dominated by men, some of whom assume that women are less good at science and ignore your work at conferences.
- Finding a permanent job can be a challenge. There aren’t that many senior positions in academics, often you have to spend quite a few years on temporary contracts before finding something longer term.
- People outside of academics assume that because you’re a geologist, you only know about rocks, and don’t have any mathematical, analytical, or coding skills. If you decide you want to leave academics, this can be a challenge, as many businesses see the word geology, and don’t take you seriously.
Pros
Suitable for people who like to solve problems mentally.
Suitable for people who want independence and like to work on their own and make decisions.
One of the highest-paid careers in the world.
Demand for this career is growing very fast.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Geoscientists with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $51,890 to $66,500 per year or $25 to $32 per hour.
Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Highest (Top 10%) | $201,150 | $97 |
Senior (Top 25%) | $136,020 | $65 |
Median | $93,580 | $45 |
Junior (Bottom 25%) | $66,500 | $32 |
No experience (Bottom 10%) | $51,890 | $25 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Geoscientists based on their average annual salary.
Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Management of Companies and Enterprises | $194680 | $93.60 |
Oil and Gas Extraction | $170870 | $82.15 |
Machinery Manufacturing | $165980 | $79.80 |
Employment Services | $144570 | $69.50 |
Computer Systems Design and Related Services | $134920 | $64.87 |
Scientific Research and Development Services | $123430 | $59.34 |
Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $107360 | $51.61 |
Federal Executive Branch | $106440 | $51.17 |
Support Activities for Mining | $104360 | $50.18 |
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $101140 | $48.62 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Geoscientists work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Geoscientists including the average salary in that industry.
Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
---|---|---|---|
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | 7540 | $91840 | $44.15 |
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 4870 | $91870 | $44.17 |
Oil and Gas Extraction | 2780 | $170870 | $82.15 |
Management of Companies and Enterprises | 2700 | $194680 | $93.60 |
State Government | 2190 | $79220 | $38.09 |
Federal Executive Branch | 2160 | $106440 | $51.17 |
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 1430 | $88080 | $42.35 |
Support Activities for Mining | 1260 | $104360 | $50.18 |
Scientific Research and Development Services | 980 | $123430 | $59.34 |
Metal Ore Mining | 400 | $86300 | $41.49 |
What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
Geochemistry and Petrology
Paleontology
Geophysics and Seismology
Geochemistry
Geology/Earth Science
Geobiology
Geoarcheaology
Environmental Geosciences
Earth Systems Science
Marine Sciences
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
Don’t know which career to pursue?
Take the career quiz to find careers that match your personality type.
Take The Career Quiz