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Geological Sample Test Technician

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What Does it Take to Be a Geological Sample Test Technician?

Geological Sample Test Technician Job Description Test or analyze geological samples, crude oil, or minerals to detect presence of petroleum, gas, or mineral deposits indicating potential for exploration or production or to determine physical or chemical properties to ensure that products meet quality standards.

What Do Geological Sample Test Technicians Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Assemble, operate, or maintain field or laboratory testing, measuring, or mechanical equipment.
  • Prepare, transcribe, or analyze seismic, gravimetric, well log, or other geophysical or survey data.
  • Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions.
  • Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
  • Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices.
  • Test and analyze samples from potential underground carbon sequestration sites.

What Every Geological Sample Test Technician Should Know

These are the skills Geological Sample Test Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Geological Technician
  • Field Evaluator
  • Research Associate
  • Materials Technician
  • Mud Analysis Well-Logging Captain

Job Demand for Geological Sample Test Technicians

There were about 15,000 jobs for Geological Sample Test Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 16% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,400 new jobs for Geological Sample Test Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Geological Sample Test Technician are Wyoming, North Carolina, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Kentucky, West Virginia, or New Hampshire. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Geological Sample Test Technician

Geological Sample Test Technicians make between $28,020 and $108,110 a year.

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Geological Sample Test Technicians who work in New Mexico, Alaska, or Kentucky, make the highest salaries.

How much do Geological Sample Test Technicians make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $52,180
Alaska $76,650
Arizona $45,350
Arkansas $45,670
California $52,900
Florida $39,930
Georgia $64,110
Idaho $40,750
Illinois $39,500
Indiana $60,210
Kansas $48,530
Kentucky $64,540
Louisiana $64,640
Maryland $50,230
Massachusetts $62,840
Michigan $50,010
Minnesota $55,610
Mississippi $52,570
Missouri $49,620
Montana $61,730
Nebraska $66,470
Nevada $56,330
New Mexico $90,010
New York $54,920
North Dakota $60,050
Ohio $49,660
Oklahoma $55,580
Pennsylvania $49,190
South Carolina $51,610
Tennessee $54,600
Texas $66,760
Utah $51,400
Virginia $46,460
Washington $53,840
West Virginia $57,350
Wyoming $59,410

What Tools do Geological Sample Test Technicians Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Geological Sample Test Technicians may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
  • Golden Software Surfer
  • Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS
  • Landmark GeoGraphix
  • Seismic Micro-Technology KINGDOM
  • Clark Labs IDRISI Andes
  • Parallel Geoscience SPW
  • Midland Valley 2DMove
  • Martin D Adamiker’s TruFlite
  • Surface III

How to Become a Geological Sample Test Technician

What education is needed to be a Geological Sample Test Technician?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Geological Sample Test Technicians Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Those thinking about becoming a Geological Sample Test Technician might also be interested in the following careers:

Career changers with experience as a Geological Sample Test Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: Jeffrey Beall via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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