How to become a geological and mineral technologist or technician
Official title: Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
Also called: Log technician, Ore technologist, Mining technician, Mineral technician, Seismic technician, Mining technologist, Hydrology technician, Mineral technologist, Petroleum technician, Petrology technician, Welding technologist, Geological technician
Geological and mineral technologists and technicians provide technical support and services or may work independently in the fields of oil and gas exploration and production, geophysics, petroleum engineering, geology, mining and mining engineering, mineralogy, extractive and physical metallurgy, metallurgical engineering and environmental protection. They are employed by petroleum and mining companies, consulting geology and engineering firms, and by governments and educational institutions as well as by a variety of manufacturing, construction and utilities companies.
Main tasks
- Geological and mineral technologists
- Conduct or direct geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging or underground mine survey programs
- Configure, operate and maintain geophysical survey and well logging instruments and equipment
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps and cross sections
- Prepare, transcribe or analyze seismic, gravimetric, well log or other geophysical and survey data
- Assist engineers and geologists in the evaluation and analysis of petroleum and mineral reservoirs
- Prepare or supervise the preparation of rock, mineral or metal samples and perform physical and chemical laboratory tests
- Conduct or assist in environmental audits, in the design of measures to minimize undesirable environmental effects of new or expanded mining and oil and gas operations, and in the development of waste management and other related environmental protection procedures
How to become one
Geological and mineral technologists usually require completion of a two- to three-year college program in geological technology, petroleum technology, petroleum engineering technology, hydrogeology or groundwater technology, mining technology, mining engineering technology, mineralogy, metallurgical technology, or welding technology. Geophysics technologists usually require completion of a two- to three-year college program in electronics technology. Geological and mineral technicians usually require completion of a one- to two-year college program in a related field. Certification in geological and mineral technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required by employers. In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist." A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 55% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Mining and petroleum technologies/technicians; Industrial production technologies/technicians; Geological and Earth sciences/geosciences.
- Licence or registration: In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $59,534 a year The middle half earn $48,750 to $78,585.
- About 9,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 9,500 are projected by 2033. (+4.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a geological and mineral technologist or technician?
Geological and mineral technologists usually require completion of a two- to three-year college program in geological technology, petroleum technology, petroleum engineering technology, hydrogeology or groundwater technology, mining technology, mining engineering technology, mineralogy, metallurgical technology, or welding technology. Geophysics technologists usually require completion of a two- to three-year college program in electronics technology. Geological and mineral technicians usually require completion of a one- to two-year college program in a related field. Certification in geological and mineral technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required by employers. In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist." A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
How much does a geological and mineral technologist or technician earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $59,534 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $48,750 to $78,585.
Is a geological and mineral technologist or technician a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2033, from about 9,100 to about 9,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a geological and mineral technologist or technician?
Usually not. Only 18% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03