How to become a Geoscientist, Except Hydrologist or Geographer

Official title: Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Also called: Engineering Geologist, Environmental Protection Geologist, Exploration Geologist, Geologist, Geoscientist, Mine Geologist, Petroleum Geologist, Project Geologist, Project Geophysicist, Research Geologist

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.

Main tasks

• Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
• Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
• 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.
• 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.
• Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
• Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.

How to become one

Geoscientists typically need a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation. For some positions, employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master's degree. Most geoscientists need a state-issued license.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

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

Ways in

• College: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 26 universities in the US
• College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
• Licence: A licence is required in 28 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $101,920 a year The middle half earn $75,110 to $139,380.
• About 25,400 people work in this job now, and about 26,700 are projected by 2035. (+5.1%)
• People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Related jobs

• Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
• Climate Change Policy Analysts
• Environmental Restoration Planners
• Industrial Ecologists
• Hydrologists

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Geoscientist, Except Hydrologist or Geographer?

Geoscientists typically need a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation. For some positions, employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master's degree. Most geoscientists need a state-issued license.

How much does a Geoscientist, Except Hydrologist or Geographer earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $101,920 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $75,110 to $139,380.

Is a Geoscientist, Except Hydrologist or Geographer a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 25,400 to about 26,700 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Geoscientist, Except Hydrologist or Geographer?

Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Geoscientist, Except Hydrologist or Geographer?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

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.