Occupation · SOC 19-2042
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
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.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 5
Typical preparation
Extensive preparation
Stackable credential programs
364 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingScienceSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningWriting
Knowledge areas
GeographyMathematicsEnglish LanguageChemistryPhysics
Technology & tools
Graphics or photo imaging softwareDocument management softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareData conversion software
Representative tasks
Plan 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.Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.Review environmental, historical, or technical reports and publications for accuracy.Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.Provide advice on the safe siting of new nuclear reactor projects or methods of nuclear waste management.Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.Develop strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or other applications.Identify new sources of platinum group elements for industrial applications, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.Locate potential sources of geothermal energy.Research ways to reduce the ecological footprint of increasingly prevalent megacities.Collaborate with medical or health researchers to address health problems related to geological materials or processes.Determine ways to mitigate the negative consequences of mineral dust dispersion.Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.Develop ways to capture or use gases burned off as waste during oil production processes.Research geomechanical or geochemical processes to be used in carbon sequestration projects.Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.Determine methods to incorporate geomethane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Standard field equipment (Brunton compass, GPS, rock hammers) — use confidently on a mapping traverse with a senior geologist.Outcrop and core descriptions — log to the team's lithology code under direct supervision.Geologic maps and stratigraphic columns — read and orient on an unfamiliar area with mentorship.Sample collection (rock, soil, water) — obtain with documented chain of custody on a Phase II site.Field-safety protocols (heat, terrain, drilling) — apply consistently on assigned site visits.GIS basics in ArcGIS or QGIS — import, project, and view layers under a supervisor's review.Lab analyses (XRD, XRF, thin sections) — prepare samples and interpret per a defined SOP.Routine well-log displays — read with a senior interpreter on a producing field.Permitting paperwork (state, BLM, USFS) — assemble and submit under a project lead's review.Daily field notes and digital photo logs — maintain to project standards.
developing
Independent field-mapping projects — execute at 1:24,000 across a defined quad with light supervision.Seismic and well-log interpretation — produce structural and stratigraphic sections on a familiar play.Environmental site assessments (Phase I + Phase II) — lead routine engagements for a consulting firm.Geochemical sampling programs — design and execute for exploration or remediation projects.Hazard and risk reports — author for landslide, seismic, or flooding studies in a state context.Junior geologists and field technicians — train on safety, sampling, and logging.Permits and agency consultations — prepare for routine projects under a PM's review.Quantitative analyses (GIS overlays, basin modeling) — produce for project teams.Project budgets and field schedules — manage at the task level for $50K–$500K engagements.Conference talks (AAPG, GSA) — present technical case studies.
proficient
Complex field and subsurface programs — design and lead across geographies and regulatory regimes.Resource and reserve assessments — conduct to SEC, NI 43-101, or PRMS standards.Multi-disciplinary teams (geology, geophysics, engineering) — lead through integrated interpretations.Major regulatory submissions — author for federal- or state-lead programs with agency interlocutors.Senior geologists and analysts — supervise across multi-project portfolios.Client presentations and technical-due-diligence reports — deliver on multi-million-dollar engagements.Funded research grants and contracts — win at the principal-investigator level.Peer-reviewed publications and authored chapters — lead in disciplinary journals.External technical reviews and second-opinion engagements — deliver with rigor and defensible scope.Standards bodies (ASTM, SPE, GSA) — contribute through committee work.
advanced
Strategic direction for a geosciences practice or division — set across services, geography, and people.National-scale hazard or resource programs — lead with agencies, legislators, and the public.Major capital and acquisition decisions — advise at the executive level with defensible technical risk profiles.Disciplinary norms and policy positions — advance through society leadership and government advisory roles.Talent development across the geosciences pipeline — own recruitment, retention, and promotion.International standards and reporting frameworks — shape through committee leadership.Crisis response (earthquakes, volcanic, environmental disasters) — command across coordinating agencies.Major awards, board roles, and editorial leadership — hold consistent with sustained field-shaping work.Industry–academia bridges and applied-research consortia — architect at scale.Legacy mentorship and field-shaping standards — institutionalize through training and certification.
Also known as
126 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Project GeologistSpace Operations, ABM (Air Force 13S1N)Space Operations, RPA (Air Force 13S1M)PetrographerSpace Operations, Airlift (Air Force 13S1T)CWO - Oceanography Warrant Officer (Navy 780)Project GeophysicistGeophysicistSpace Projects Technologist (Navy 2098)Space Operations (Air Force 13SX)Geological ScoutSpace Operations, Bomber (Air Force 13S4R)Space Operations, Space Access and Sustainment (Air Force 13S3E)PaleontologistSpace Operations (Air Force 13S1)Space Operations, ABM (Air Force 13S4N)Astronaut (Air Force 13A3)Space Operations, Tanker (Air Force 13S3S)GeodesistMining Production GeologistSpace Operations, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force 13S1V)Space Operations, General (Air Force 13S3W)MineralogistEngineer, SoilsRisk AssessorSpace Operations Officer (Marine Corps 8866)Core Analysis OperatorWeather and Environmental Sciences (Air Force 15W4)OceanologistWellsite GeologistSpace Operations, Space Access and Sustainment (Air Force 13S1E)Space Operations, Fighter (Air Force 13S3P)SedimentationistExploration GeologistSpace Operations, RPA (Air Force 13S4M)Research GeologistMeteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Services Officer (Marine Corps 6802)Space Operations, Bomber (Air Force 13S1R)Micro PaleontologistSpace Operations, Tanker (Air Force 13S1S)