Geological Technicians
O*NET title: Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Also called: Geological Technicians
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.
Also called: Acid Tester, Chalk Tester, Construction Material Technician, Construction Materials Field Technician (Construction Materials Field Tech), Construction Materials Technician (Construction Materials Tech), Construction Materials Testing Technician (Construction Materials Testing Tech)
Median pay
$53,350
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,770 – $99,560
People employed
6,980
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 2.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 3.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Geological Technicians pay by state
Annual median pay by state (35 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What geological technicians do
- 01Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- 02Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
- 03Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
- 04Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- 05Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.
- 06Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from geological technicians
- Geodetic Surveyors88% · group pay
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians85% · +12%
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians84% · +2%
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians79% · +40%
- Hydrologists78% · +81%
Change into geological technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Geodetic Surveyors88% · $75,440
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians84% · $59,920
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians82% · $54,240
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists75% · $122,570
- Microsystems Engineers70% · $122,930
Majors that lead here
- Mining Technology/Technician
- Petroleum Technology/Technician
- Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Geology/Earth Science, General
- Science Technologies/Technicians, General
- Chemical Process Technology
- Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.