How to become a Geotechnical Engineer
Plans, directs and conducts survey work to analyse the mechanics of soil and rock, and its applications to engineering problems to support the safe and efficient design and construction of infrastructure projects.
Main tasks
- Assesses construction plans to determine its feasibility based on the understanding of the construction site gathered from geological maps, aerial photographs, project data, collected historical information and other sources
- Collects and tests soil and rock samples to determine their properties and assist in the assessment of geotechnical parameters used in design
- Assesses the impact of soil and rock mechanical properties on the stability of existing structures
- Performs geotechnical calculations and modelling to evaluate the characteristics of the site under study, and use the results from their analysis to design foundations and other geotechnical structures
- Investigates, identifies and analyses geological risks and hazards related to the site, such as landslides, liquefaction or soil erosion
- Develops strategies to minimise risks and recommend appropriate safety measures, such as drainage systems, soil improvement techniques and slope stabilisation methods, to incorporate in the project design
Ways in
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $115,284 a year
- About 76,300 people work in this job group now, and about 92,300 are projected by 2035. (+21%)
- 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.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Geotechnical Engineer?
Ways in include: Engineering degrees.
How much does a Geotechnical Engineer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $115,284 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Geotechnical Engineer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 21% by 2035, from about 76,300 to about 92,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Geotechnical Engineer?
Usually. 95% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Geotechnical Engineer?
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