Careers / Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians — Career Decision Dashboard

United States

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Median annual wage

$53,350

United States, 2025

Employment

6,980

United States, 2025

Typical education

Not recorded

Job Zone 4

Skills identified

35

10 related careers

Career overview

Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

O*NET code
19-4043.00
Job zone
4
Experience required
Not recorded

Typical tasks

  • Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
  • Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
  • Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
  • Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
  • Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
  • Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
  • Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
  • Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.

Choose a location

Salary analysis — United States

$35,770
10th
$44,850
25th
$53,350
Median
$72,110
75th
$99,560
90th

10th percentile

$35,770

25th percentile

$44,850

75th percentile

$72,110

90th percentile

$99,560

Most important skills

  • Reading Comprehension3.8
  • Critical Thinking3.5
  • Time Management3.3
  • Writing3.3
  • Monitoring3.3
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.1
  • Active Listening3.1
  • Complex Problem Solving3.1
  • Operations Monitoring3.0
  • Speaking3.0
  • Coordination3.0
  • Social Perceptiveness2.9

What skills do you need?

Select the skills you already have

Skills listed are those O*NET rates at importance 3.0 or above for this occupation. Set your own level on the same 0–7 O*NET scale.

Skill coverage

0%

0 of 11 identified skills

Matched

0

Missing

11

Your selected skills cover approximately 0% of the skills identified for this occupation in O*NET. This is a coverage measure of listed skills only — it is not a qualification, hiring or interview outcome.

Skills to develop

SkillImportanceRequired levelYour levelGap
Reading Comprehension3.84.0Not selected4.0
Critical Thinking3.53.3Not selected3.3
Writing3.33.5Not selected3.5
Active Listening3.13.5Not selected3.5
Monitoring3.33.3Not selected3.3
Time Management3.33.1Not selected3.1
Complex Problem Solving3.13.3Not selected3.3
Speaking3.03.3Not selected3.3
Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Not selected3.0
Coordination3.03.0Not selected3.0
Operations Monitoring3.02.6Not selected2.6

Ordered by required level gap multiplied by O*NET importance. No prediction or recommendation is implied.

Related careers

How salary varies by location

LocationMedianEmploymentYear
MD$102,090302025
San Diego, CA$82,350802025
IN$79,2902025
AK$76,090702025
NV$73,7002602025
Los Angeles, CA$72,6602025
Denver, CO$70,280602025
San Francisco, CA$69,4102025
CA$69,4104802025
WV$69,350602025
Chicago, IL$64,4202025
WA$63,9102025
NE$63,1602025
WY$63,070902025
TN$63,0501102025
Las Vegas, NV$62,520602025
CO$61,780902025
MA$61,630402025
Nashville, TN$60,910402025
Boise City, ID$60,8002025
All locations with published data

Career transition paths

Compare the skills of a career you hold today with Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians to see shared skills, target-only skills and skill overlap.

Build a transition comparison

Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0.

Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, 2025 (May 2025 release).

Figures are periodic published survey snapshots, not real-time market rates.