What Does it Take to Be a Geological and Petroleum Technician?
Occupation Description Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in both laboratory and production activities to obtain data indicating potential 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. Investigate and collect information leading to the possible discovery of new metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum deposits.
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Types of Geological & Petroleum Technician Jobs
- Seismic Interpreter
- Seismic Observer
- Geological Sample Tester
- Mineral Technologist
- Crude Tester
Is There Going to be Demand for Geological and Petroleum Technicians?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 15,000 jobs in the United States for Geological and Petroleum Technician. 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 and Petroleum Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,900 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Geological & Petroleum 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Geological & Petroleum Technician
The typical yearly salary for Geological and Petroleum Technicians is somewhere between $28,020 and $108,110.

Geological and Petroleum Technicians who work in New Mexico, Alaska, or Kentucky, make the highest salaries.
How much do Geological and Petroleum Technicians make in different U.S. states?
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 |
Who Employs Geological and Petroleum Technicians?

Geological and Petroleum Technicians work in the following industries:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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