Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Life, Physical, and Social Science
Fieldwork and lab time sit side by side. Surveys, sampling, and drilling programs gather soils, minerals, rocks, and fossils; software then helps interpret those finds along with well logs, boreholes, and aerial photos. The same evidence is used to estimate oil, gas, mineral, or groundwater deposits and to flag risks such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions. Maps, cross-sections, and reports cover extraction, land use, or resource management; findings also go out as papers, conference talks, or university teaching. Tends to fit people who want mixed field and lab work and are willing to judge incomplete geological evidence.
Typical education: Master’s Degree
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$101'920
Median Wage Market Position
$101'920
What you might do
- Conduct field surveys and collect rock samples
- Examine soils, minerals, rocks, and fossils
- Interpret well logs, surveys, and aerial photos
- Locate likely oil, gas, or mineral deposits
- Identify risks from earthquakes, slides, and eruptions
- Prepare maps, cross-sections, and resource reports
Skills that matter
- Field surveys, sampling, and drilling programs
- Rocks, minerals, and fossils examined for Earth's history
- Maps and cross-sections of resources and land use
- Earthquake, mudslide, and volcanic risk assessment
- Research papers and talks on geological findings
- Well logs and aerial photos read for deposits
AI & the future of this role
Remote sensing interpretation and subsurface modeling may absorb more of the desk-based analytical work. Field investigation, resource and hazard judgment under uncertain conditions, and liability-sensitive advice still tend to support employment prospects.
Does Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers fit your values?
Take the free LostInCareer assessment to see personalized matches based on your core values—not just a personality label.
Related careers
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details