Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Career, Salary and Skills
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $53,350 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 6,980. Wage data is published for 70 locations.
Occupation description
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
Typical education
Not recorded
Experience
Not recorded
National salary and employment
Median annual
$53,350
Hourly median
$25.65
Employment
6,980
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.50 | 3.25 |
| Monitoring | 3.25 | 3.25 |
| Writing | 3.25 | 3.50 |
| Time Management | 3.25 | 3.12 |
| Active Listening | 3.12 | 3.50 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.12 | 3.25 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Speaking | 3.00 | 3.25 |
| Coordination | 3.00 | 3.00 |
Typical tasks
- 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.
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
Technology
- Adobe Illustrator
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Clark Labs IDRISI Andes
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Database software
- Dynamic Graphics EarthVision
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Geographic information system GIS systems
- Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Golden Software Surfer
- Halliburton ProMAX
- IHS Petra
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in TXMedian $46,840 · Employment 2,190
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in Houston, TXMedian $59,630 · Employment 680
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in CAMedian $69,410 · Employment 480
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in OKMedian $46,890 · Employment 410
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in FLMedian $49,980 · Employment 300
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in NYMedian $57,150 · Employment 280
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in NVMedian $73,700 · Employment 260
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in NCMedian $48,090 · Employment 250
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in Dallas, TXMedian $47,710 · Employment 240
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in PAMedian $47,380 · Employment 240
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in Oklahoma City, OKMedian $47,510 · Employment 200
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Salary in San Antonio, TXMedian $49,280 · Employment 160
Related careers
- Electrical EngineersNational median $120,630
- Materials ScientistsNational median $117,790
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial EquipmentNational median $74,090
- Geothermal TechniciansNational median $49,230
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and TechniciansNational median $82,890
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and TechniciansNational median $78,190
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety EngineersNational median $106,220
- HydrologistsNational median $96,600
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.