How to become a Geologist
Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the Earth or other planetary bodies to increase scientific knowledge and to develop practical applications in fields such as mineral exploitation, civil engineering, space exploration, environmental protection, and rehabilitation of land after mining.
Main tasks
- Studies physical attributes of the surface and subsurface of the Earth or other planetary bodies
- Studies the different chemical and physical processes involved in the evolution of the Earth or other planetary bodies
- Collects Earth or planetary materials, and analyses their composition, structure and other physical properties
- Studies and analyses the properties of reservoirs and deposits of resources such as oil, gas or minerals, to estimate their volumes and potential for extraction
- Estimates how rocks, fossils and other geological materials formed, and infers their age and the conditions in which they formed
- Builds an understanding of the evolution of the Earth or other planetary bodies and how it may impact upon people
- Studies and monitors the effects of anthropogenic processes such as resource extraction on Earth or other planetary bodies
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Surveying (CPP60121); Diploma of Surveying (CPP50121)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $151,528 a year
- About 14,000 people work in this job group now, and about 16,300 are projected by 2035. (+16.6%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Geologist?
Ways in include: Science degrees; Advanced Diploma of Surveying; Diploma of Surveying.
How much does a Geologist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $151,528 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Geologist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2035, from about 14,000 to about 16,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Geologist?
Usually. 96% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Geologist?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04