Description
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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
Work Styles
- Analytical Thinking
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Persistence
- Initiative
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.
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
- Working with Computers
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Detailed Work Activities
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Map creation software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Geographic information system
Abilities
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Category Flexibility
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Science
- Speaking
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Geography
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Coal GeologistCertifying Organization
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Registered Environmental ProfessionalCertifying Organization
National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Practice of Geology ExaminationCertifying Organization
National Association of State Boards of Geology
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Petroleum GeophysicistCertifying Organization
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Registered Hazardous and Chemical Materials ManagerCertifying Organization
National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $70,727 |
| Median (50%) | $91,447 |
| High (90%) | $130,336 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $78,342 |
| Mid Level | $94,637 |
| Senior Level | $104,478 |
| Expert Level | $133,387 |
Employability
There are currently 26,000 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 27,400 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 6%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 6%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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