Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Geoscientist

Find Schools Near

Life As a Geoscientist

Position 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, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Life As a Geoscientist

  • Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
  • Develop ways to capture or use gases burned off as waste during oil production processes.
  • Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.
  • Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
  • Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or other applications.
  • Research ways to reduce the ecological footprint of increasingly prevalent megacities.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Geoscientist?

These are the skills Geoscientists say are the most useful in their careers:

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

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

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

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Project Geophysicist
  • Sedimentationist
  • Paleontologist
  • Geodesist
  • Oceanologist

Are There Job Opportunities for Geoscientists?

In the United States, there were 32,000 jobs for Geoscientist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,500 new jobs for Geoscientist by 2026. The BLS estimates 3,500 yearly job openings in this field.

undefined

The states with the most job growth for Geoscientist are Tennessee, Colorado, and Oregon. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, Vermont, or North Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Geoscientist

The salary for Geoscientists ranges between about $49,430 and $187,990 a year.

undefined

Geoscientists who work in Texas, Oklahoma, or Louisiana, make the highest salaries.

How much do Geoscientists make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $64,970
Alaska $99,400
Arizona $77,650
Arkansas $67,260
California $97,550
Colorado $111,130
Connecticut $85,250
Delaware $80,570
Florida $80,970
Georgia $68,860
Hawaii $109,530
Idaho $88,060
Illinois $69,480
Indiana $61,870
Iowa $71,490
Kansas $77,590
Kentucky $73,230
Louisiana $109,700
Maine $74,380
Maryland $90,110
Massachusetts $87,650
Minnesota $78,410
Mississippi $91,490
Missouri $70,340
Montana $92,680
Nebraska $79,570
Nevada $94,500
New Hampshire $95,510
New Jersey $98,050
New Mexico $86,620
New York $76,360
North Carolina $71,830
North Dakota $97,320
Ohio $75,600
Oklahoma $123,230
Oregon $74,920
Pennsylvania $108,580
Rhode Island $88,130
South Carolina $72,040
South Dakota $63,680
Tennessee $77,510
Texas $150,140
Utah $80,970
Virginia $96,290
Washington $93,710
West Virginia $77,530
Wisconsin $75,110
Wyoming $73,220

Tools & Technologies Used by Geoscientists

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Geoscientists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Git
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Python
  • Microsoft Access
  • MySQL
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Project
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • SAS
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • ESRI ArcView
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP

How do I Become a Geoscientist?

Are there Geoscientists education requirements?

undefined

How Long Does it Take to Become a Geoscientist?

undefined

Where do Geoscientists Work?

undefined

Below are examples of industries where Geoscientists work:

undefined

Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Geoscientist might also be interested in the following careers:

Career changers with experience as a Geoscientist sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: Kelvinsong via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.