Average Salary and Career Outlook for Geologists

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Geologists study the compositions, processes, and history of the earth. It is interesting for some, and for some, it is laborious and boring. However, geologists get paid well. It can be a big motivating factor for someone to pursue a geologist degree with little interest in studying earth sciences.

Employment Roles (What geoscientists do)

There are various employment opportunities available after graduating in geology. However, a geoscientist’s job duties are pretty much the same around the globe. As a geoscientist, you would be doing the following.

  • Field studies; collecting samples and conducting surveys
  • Analyze aerial photographs, well logs, rock samples, and other information collected during fieldwork
  • Conduct tests and evaluation
  • Prepare written reports
  • Make geological maps
  • Present the findings to colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders

Geologists can find employment as one of the following.

  • Survey Geologist
  • Mine Geologist
  • Exploration Geologist
  • Marine Geologist
  • Hydro-geologist
  • Environmental Geologist
  • Geophysicists
  • Geological engineer
  • Teachers (High School/university and research)
  • Lawyers (in mining firms)

Geologist Job Outlook

There were about 24,900 geoscience jobs in the United States in 2021. The number is expected to grow at 5% over the next decade. The growth rate is in line with other sectors. It is estimated that around 2,400 new positions will open for geologists every year. The new positions will be created due to people retiring, transferring to other occupations, or choosing desk jobs over fieldwork.

Work Environment

Most geologists have to work indoors in offices and laboratories and outdoors in fields, mines, and mountains. Outdoor research and investigation are usually called fieldwork and often require irregular hours and extensive travel to remote locations and other countries. People who pursue teaching after becoming geologists usually work indoors unless they have to take their students for some research.

Geologist Salaries

The geoscience field can be extremely lucrative, with an average annual salary of $83,680 per year and $40.23 per hour. A six-figure annual salary in this field is not a big deal. There are a lot of variations depending on the nature of your job, education, and experience. 

Many geologists work overseas. Foreign employees are often paid more because the host company fails to find local resources to fulfill a particular role. 

Here is a list of some US states and how much geologists can earn. 

State Total Employment Bottom 25% Median Salary Top 75%
Alabama 50 $39,140 $55,040 $72,960
Alaska 250 $43,630 $52,900 $69,400
Arizona 120 $30,940 $36,790 $46,850
California 1,690 $35,650 $51,420 $73,390
Colorado 600 $44,090 $56,460 $73,630
Connecticut $37,670 $52,540 $63,310
Florida 70 $28,690 $36,330 $48,780
Georgia 50 $49,150 $55,240 $62,130
Hawaii $36,770 $45,050 $57,020
Idaho $34,220 $55,270 $76,260
Illinois 100 $29,100 $38,390 $57,650
Indiana $39,410 $63,410 $85,580
Kansas 50 $42,290 $48,690 $58,210
Kentucky 60 $41,090 $46,410 $54,580
Louisiana 930 $40,500 $63,210 $84,680
Maryland 110 $46,720 $56,840 $77,010
Michigan 170 $29,360 $37,080 $48,900
Mississippi 300 $39,490 $48,370 $72,620
Missouri $34,690 $47,800 $76,430
Montana 180 $37,540 $51,410 $56,610
Nevada 110 $25,950 $35,360 $53,820
New Jersey 100 $40,800 $51,230 $59,620
New Mexico 130 $37,820 $49,660 $70,960
New York 150 $37,830 $44,190 $60,430
North Dakota 120 $39,930 $48,130 $73,130
Ohio 200 $37,310 $52,070 $69,780
Oklahoma 1,260 $45,730 $59,120 $80,820
Pennsylvania 330 $37,830 $47,140 $61,980
South Carolina 40 $32,190 $37,090 $45,880
Tennessee 130 $37,260 $49,610 $68,740
Texas 6,310 $35,520 $56,060 $82,630
Utah 150 $40,120 $53,490 $66,840
Washington 80 $30,100 $36,390 $43,960
West Virginia 240 $30,650 $46,810 $66,870
Wyoming 150 $43,230 $53,740 $71,830

How to Become a Geologist

You can become a geologist after earning a 4-year degree in geology from a university. Some positions require a master’s degree. You can enroll in a university after completing high school. Some people do a Ph.D. to become a professor.

A geology degree includes mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, rock sciences, and other core geology courses. Most geology programs require students to study mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology courses. Communication, critical thinking, report writing, and presentation skills courses are also important for geology students.

Another aspect of becoming a geologist is licensing. Geologists are licensed in 31 states. Although most cases do not require licensing, geologists working in public sectors often require certification. These activities include civil engineering projects, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

There are some minimum experience and education standards to get a geologist license. All states that license geologists use the Fundamentals of Geology Exam (FGE) conducted by the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG).

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