Geoscientists held about 31,000 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of geoscientists were as follows:
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 28% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 22 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 8 |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 8 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 7 |
Geoscientists work in states that have a prominence of oil and gas activities. Workers in natural resource extraction fields usually work as part of a team, with other scientists and engineers. For example, they may work closely with petroleum engineers to find and develop new sources of oil and natural gas.
Most geoscientists split their time between working in the field, in laboratories, and in offices. Fieldwork can take geoscientists to remote locations all over the world. For example, oceanographers may spend months at sea on a research ship, and petroleum geologists may spend long periods in remote areas while doing exploration activities. Extensive travel and long periods away from home can be physically and psychologically demanding. Having outdoor skills, such as camping and hiking skills, may be useful.
Work Schedules
Most geoscientists work full time. They may work additional or irregular hours when doing fieldwork. Geoscientists travel frequently to meet with clients and to conduct fieldwork.
Geoscientists need at least a bachelor’s degree for most entry-level positions. However, some workers begin their careers as geoscientists with a master’s degree.
Education
Geoscientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree for most entry-level positions. A geosciences degree is generally preferred by employers, although some geoscientists begin their careers with degrees in environmental science or engineering. Some geoscientist jobs require a master’s degree.
Most geoscience programs include geology courses in mineralogy, petrology, and structural geology, which are important for all geoscientists. In addition to classes in geology, most programs require students to take courses in other physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computer science.
Some programs include training on specific software packages that will be useful to those seeking a career as a geoscientist. In addition to classroom and lab courses, most degree programs also include summer geology field camp courses that provide students with practical experience before graduating.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Geologists are licensed in 31 states. Although a license is not required to work as a geologist in many cases, geologists that offer services to the public in these states must be licensed. Public services include activities such as those associated with civil engineering projects, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. Applicants must meet minimum education and experience requirements and earn a passing score on an exam. All states that license geologists use the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) , Fundamentals of Geology Exam (FGE).
Contact your state board of registration of geologists for more information.
Geoscientists typically have an interest in the Building and Thinking interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the understanding of natural laws.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Thinking interest which might fit with a career as a geoscientist, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Geoscientists should also possess the following specific qualities:
Communication skills. Geoscientists write reports and research papers. They must be able to present their findings clearly to clients or professionals who do not have a background in geosciences.
Critical-thinking skills. Geoscientists base their findings on sound observation and careful evaluation of data.
Interpersonal skills. Most geoscientists work as part of a team with engineers, technicians, and other scientists.
Outdoor skills. Geoscientists may spend significant amounts of time outdoors. Familiarity with camping skills, general comfort being outside for long periods of time, and specific skills such as boat handling or even being able to pilot an aircraft could prove useful for geoscientists.
Physical stamina. Geoscientists may need to hike to remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment when they conduct fieldwork.
Problem-solving skills. Geoscientists work on complex projects filled with challenges. Geoscientists need to use and analyze complex sources of data. Evaluating statistical data and other forms of information to make judgments and inform the actions of other workers requires a special ability to perceive and address problems.
The median annual wage for geoscientists was $92,040 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $51,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $187,910.
In May 2019, the median annual wages for geoscientists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | $126,750 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 100,590 |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 82,190 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 76,580 |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 74,010 |
Most geoscientists work full time. They may work additional or irregular hours when doing fieldwork. Geoscientists travel frequently to meet with clients and to conduct fieldwork.
Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, as fast as the average for all occupations. The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management is projected to spur demand for geoscientists.
Employment of geoscientists in the professional, scientific, and technical services industry, where most of them work, is projected to increase modestly. This growth will offset smaller losses in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry, the second-largest employer of geoscientists.
Geoscientists will be involved in discovering and developing sites for alternative energies, such as geothermal energy and wind energy. For example, geothermal energy plants must be located near sufficient hot ground water, and one task for geoscientists would be evaluating if the site is suitable.
For more information about geoscientists, visit
American Geosciences Institute
U.S. National Committee for Geological Sciences
For information about petroleum geologists, visit
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
For more information about licensure for geologists, visit
American Institute of Professional Geologists
National Association of State Boards of Geology
To find job openings for geoscientists in the federal government, visit