Geoscientists (Except Hydrologists and Geographers)
O*NET title: Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Also called: Geoscientists
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.
Also called: Consultant Geologist, Development Geologist, Engineering Geologist, Environmental Geologist, Environmental Protection Geologist, Exploration Geologist
Median pay
$101,920
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$59,330 – $200,230
People employed
23,470
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
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.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
Geoscientists (Except Hydrologists and Geographers) pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Geoscientists (Except Hydrologists and Geographers) salary in every state →
What geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers) do
- 01Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
- 02Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
- 03Plan 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.
- 04Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
- 05Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- 06Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
Skills that matter most
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
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 geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers)
- Geographers86% · 0%
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers83% · +4%
- Water Resource Specialists83% · group pay
- Petroleum Engineers79% · +42%
- Soil and Plant Scientists79% · −23%
Change into geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers)
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Geographers86% · $102,040
- Soil and Plant Scientists85% · $78,850
- Conservation Scientists83% · $73,010
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers83% · $106,220
- Geodetic Surveyors82% · $75,440
Majors that lead here
- Marine Sciences
- Earth Systems Science
- Environmental Geosciences
- Geoarcheaology
- Geobiology
- Geology/Earth Science, General
- Geochemistry
- Geophysics and Seismology
- Paleontology
- Geochemistry and Petrology
- Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.