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Science

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 salary

$99,240

Typical range

$59k – $179k

Job outlook

+3% (about average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

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Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

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Typical progression

  1. Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

    Entry / Junior

    $58,790

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

    Established

    $99,240

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

    Senior

    $139,060

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

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