### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Geoscientists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			geoscientists imageGeoscientists often work outdoors, sometimes in remote areas and in both warm and cold climates.							
						Quick Facts:     Geoscientists2023     Median Pay
            						$92,580     per year
										$44.51     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    26,300Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    5% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    1,300What Geoscientists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Geoscientists usually split their time between work in an office setting, in laboratories, and outdoors. Most geoscientists work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Schedules vary to include irregular hours when doing fieldwork.
            
                                                How to Become a Geoscientist
                                                
                        
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.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for geoscientists was $92,580 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of geoscientists is projected to grow							 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 2,200 openings for geoscientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geoscientists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geoscientists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about geoscientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Geoscientists Do 
            

			GeoscientistsPetroleum geologists (a type of geoscientist) search for oil and gas deposits that are suitable for commercial extraction.			
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past and present and to predict future events.
Duties
Geoscientists typically do the following:
Plan and carry out field studies, in which they visit locations to collect samples and conduct surveys
Analyze aerial photographs, rock samples, and other data sources to locate deposits of natural resources and estimate their size
Conduct laboratory tests on samples collected in the field
Make geologic maps and charts
Prepare written reports
Present their findings to varied audiences, including clients and colleaguesGeoscientists study the Earth’s composition, or layers; its structure, which focuses on the properties of rocks; and its processes, such as erosion and volcanic activity. By analyzing rocks, fossils, and other clues, geoscientists are able to create timelines of events in the Earth’s geologic history. They also research changes in its resources to provide guidance in meeting human demands, such as for water, and to predict geological risks and hazards.
Geoscientists use a variety of tools in their work. In the field, they may use a hammer and chisel to collect rock samples or ground-penetrating radar equipment to search for minerals. In laboratories, they may use x-rays and electron microscopes to determine the chemical and physical composition of rock samples. They also may use remote sensing equipment to collect data, as well as geographic information systems (GIS) and modeling software to analyze the data collected.
Geoscientists may supervise the work of technicians and coordinate work with other scientists, both in the field and in the lab.
As geological challenges increase, geoscientists may opt to work as generalists. However, some choose to specialize in a particular aspect of the Earth. The following are examples of types of geoscientists:
***Environmental***geologists study how consequences of human activity, such as pollution and waste management, affect the quality of the Earth’s air, soil, and water. They also may work to solve problems associated with natural threats, such as flooding and erosion.
***Geologists*** study the materials, processes, and history of the Earth. They investigate how rocks were formed and what has happened to them since their formation. There are subgroups of geologists as well, such as *stratigraphers*, who study stratified rock, and mineralogists, who study the structure and composition of minerals.
***Oceanographers*** study the motion and circulation of ocean waters; the physical and chemical properties of the oceans; and the ways these properties affect coastal areas, climate, and weather.
***Paleontologists*** study fossils found in geological formations in order to trace the evolution of plant and animal life and the geologic history of the Earth.
***Petroleum geologists*** collect rock and sediment samples from sites through drilling and other methods and test the samples for the presence of oil and gas. They also estimate the size of oil and gas deposits and work to develop extraction sites.
***Seismologists*** study earthquakes and related phenomena, such as tsunamis. They use seismographs and other instruments to collect data on these events.
For a more extensive list of geoscientist specialties, visit the American Geosciences Institute (AGI).
 Work Environment
			GeoscientistsGeoscientists frequently work outdoors so they can study geological aspects of the Earth, such as geysers, up close.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Geoscientists held about 26,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of geoscientists were as follows:
        Architectural, engineering, and related services
                28%Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
                19Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
                15Federal government, excluding postal service
                9State government, excluding education and hospitals
                8Geoscientists may work as part of a team with other scientists and engineers. For example, they may work closely in natural resource extraction fields with petroleum engineers to find new sources of oil and gas.
Geoscientists usually split their time between work in the field, in laboratories, and in office settings. Fieldwork may require geoscientists to be outdoors frequently or to travel all over the world, including to remote locations, for extended periods. For example, oceanographers may spend months at sea on a research ship, and paleontologists may spend long periods in remote areas during expeditions.
Extensive travel, especially for long periods away from home, may be stressful.
Work Schedules
Most geoscientists work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Schedules may vary to include irregular hours when doing fieldwork. Geoscientists travel frequently to meet with clients and to conduct fieldwork.
 How to Become a Geoscientist

			GeoscientistsLaboratory experience is important for prospective geoscientists.			
Geoscientists typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. For some positions, employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s or doctoral degree. Most geoscientists need a state-issued license.
Education
Geoscientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in geoscience or a related field, such as physical science or natural resources.
Geoscience programs include courses in mineralogy, geology, and other sciences, along with subjects such as mathematics and engineering. Some programs focus on a particular area of geoscience, such as environmental geology, while others prepare students to become generalists.
Programs also usually involve geology fieldwork that provides students with practical experience. Students may gain additional experience by completing a geosciences internship while in college. Interns usually work under the supervision of a senior geoscientist on tasks such as preparing for field visits, collecting samples, and writing reports.
Master’s and doctoral degree programs in geoscience typically involve more specialization, research, and technical experience than bachelor’s programs do. Having a graduate degree may make candidates more competitive for certain entry-level positions or for advancement.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Most states require licensing for geologists who offer services to the public. Public service activities include those associated with civil engineering projects, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.
Licensure requirements vary by state, but applicants typically must meet minimum education and experience requirements and earn a passing score on an exam. Examining authorities also vary by state. For example, some states use exams by theNational Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) or the American Institute of Professional Geologists(AIPG).
Contact your state licensing board for more information.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Geoscientists must be able to present their research findings clearly to a variety of audiences, including both scientists and those who do not have a background in geoscience.
***Critical-thinking skills.*** Geoscientists conduct research through observation and testing, then evaluate data to explain their findings.
***Outdoor skills.*** Geoscientists may spend significant time outdoors performing fieldwork. They must be comfortable being outside for long periods, which may include overnight camping.
***Physical stamina.*** Geoscientists need to be physically fit because they may need to hike, sometimes to remote locations, while carrying equipment for fieldwork.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Geoscientists must be able to analyze statistical data and other information in order to address problems.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                GeoscientistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers$92,580  Physical scientists$89,350  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for geoscientists was $92,580 in May 2023. 


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 $52,500, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $172,600.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for geoscientists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
                $126,140Federal government, excluding postal service
                110,400Architectural, engineering, and related services
                85,340State government, excluding education and hospitals
                82,370Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
                78,610Most geoscientists work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Schedules may vary to include irregular hours when doing fieldwork. Geoscientists travel frequently to meet with clients and to conduct fieldwork.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               GeoscientistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Physical scientists5%  Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of geoscientists is projected to grow				 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 2,200 openings for geoscientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management is expected to spur demand for geoscientists.
Geoscientists will be involved in discovering and developing sites for traditional and alternative energy sources. For example, geoscientists study wind speeds and patterns to determine sites that are suitable for wind turbines. The increased use of and demand for alternative energy should lead to more jobs for these workers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     geoscientists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers**
			19-2042
			26,300
			27,600
			5
			1,300
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of geoscientists. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Anthropologists and Archeologists**
            Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans.
            Master's degree
            $63,800**Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists**
            Atmospheric scientists study, report on, and forecast the weather and climate.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,860**Environmental Engineers**
            Environmental engineers use engineering disciplines in developing solutions to problems of planetary health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $100,090**Environmental Scientists and Specialists**
            Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $78,980**Geological and Hydrologic Technicians**
            Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources.
            Associate's degree
            $53,440**Hydrologists**
            Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.
            Bachelor's degree
            $88,770**Mining and Geological Engineers**
            Mining and geological engineers design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals for use in manufacturing and utilities.
            Bachelor's degree
            $100,640**Natural Sciences Managers**
            Natural sciences managers plan, supervise, or coordinate research and other activities in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
            Bachelor's degree
            $157,740**Physicists and Astronomers**
            Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $149,530**Petroleum Engineers**
            Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface.
            Bachelor's degree
            $135,690
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about geoscientists, visit
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
American Geosciences Institute (AGI)
Geological Society of America (GSA)
U.S. National Committee for Geological Sciences
For more information about licensure for geologists, visit
American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)
National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG)
To find job openings for geoscientists in the federal government, visit
USAJOBS

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Geoscientists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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