How to become a Geological Technician or Except Hydrologic Technician

Official title: Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Also called: Core Inspector, Environmental Field Services Technician, Environmental Sampling Technician, Geological E-Logger, Geological Technician, Geoscience Technician, Geotechnician, Materials Technician, Physical Science Technician, Soils Technician

Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

Main tasks

• Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
• Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
• Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
• Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
• Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
• Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
• Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
• Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.

How to become one

Geological and hydrologic technicians typically need an associate's degree or 2 years of postsecondary training in applied science or a science-related technology. Some jobs may require a bachelor's degree. Geological and hydrologic technicians also receive on-the-job training.

Typical education to start: Associate's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Test Engine Operator.
• Apprenticeship: Tester (Petrol Refin).
• Certificate or associate's degree: Associate's degree. Programs such as Mining Technology/Technician; Petroleum Technology/Technician; Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians, Other

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $53,350 a year The middle half earn $44,850 to $72,110.
• About 7,300 people work in this job now, and about 7,600 are projected by 2035. (+3.6%)
• People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Related jobs

• Hydrologic Technicians
• Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
• Agricultural Technicians
• Precision Agriculture Technicians
• Food Science Technicians
• Biological Technicians

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Geological Technician or Except Hydrologic Technician?

Geological and hydrologic technicians typically need an associate's degree or 2 years of postsecondary training in applied science or a science-related technology. Some jobs may require a bachelor's degree. Geological and hydrologic technicians also receive on-the-job training.

How much does a Geological Technician or Except Hydrologic Technician earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $53,350 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $44,850 to $72,110.

Is a Geological Technician or Except Hydrologic Technician a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 7,300 to about 7,600 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Geological Technician or Except Hydrologic Technician?

Not always. 41% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Associate's degree; Test Engine Operator.

Will AI change the work of a Geological Technician or Except Hydrologic Technician?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.