Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Career, Salary and Skills
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $101,920 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 23,470. Wage data is published for 155 locations.
Occupation 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.
O*NET code
19-2042.00
Job zone
4
Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
None
National salary and employment
Median annual
$101,920
Hourly median
$49.00
Employment
23,470
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.25 | 5.12 |
| Science | 4.25 | 4.75 |
| Writing | 4.00 | 4.88 |
| Speaking | 4.00 | 4.25 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.00 | 4.25 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.88 | 4.38 |
| Active Listening | 3.88 | 4.25 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.88 | 4.12 |
| Mathematics | 3.50 | 4.12 |
| Active Learning | 3.38 | 4.00 |
Typical tasks
- Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
- 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.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
- 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.
- Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
- Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
Technology
- Email software
- ACD Systems Canvas
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Photoshop
- Alara CRystalView
- Aquifer test software
- Atoll GeoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Bentley Systems gINT
- Bilko
- BOSS Didger
- ChemStat
- Clover Technology GALENA
- Compass software
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in TXMedian $145,220 · Employment 4,900
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in CAMedian $106,500 · Employment 3,350
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in Houston, TXMedian $174,490 · Employment 2,380
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in COMedian $114,410 · Employment 1,480
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in Denver, COMedian $120,480 · Employment 1,020
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in PAMedian $84,180 · Employment 910
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in WAMedian $105,020 · Employment 840
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $94,660 · Employment 810
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in OKMedian $119,990 · Employment 770
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in FLMedian $95,140 · Employment 660
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in Dallas, TXMedian $132,780 · Employment 610
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in NYMedian $86,410 · Employment 600
Related careers
- AstronomersNational median $128,820
- SurveyorsNational median $75,440
- Water Resource SpecialistsNational median $167,220
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including HealthNational median $55,090
- Environmental Restoration PlannersNational median $82,220
- Petroleum EngineersNational median $144,910
- Surveying and Mapping TechniciansNational median $54,240
- Geodetic SurveyorsNational median $75,440
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.