What is a Geological Sample Test Technician?
Geological Sample Test Technician Job Description Test or analyze geological samples, crude oil, or minerals to detect presence of petroleum, gas, or mineral deposits indicating potential for exploration or production or to determine physical or chemical properties to ensure that products meet quality standards.
A Day in the Life of a Geological Sample Test Technician
- Participate in the evaluation of possible geothermal energy plant locations.
- Test and analyze samples from potential underground carbon sequestration sites.
- Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
- Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
- Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross sections.
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Geological Sample Test Technician Required Skills
Geological Sample Test Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Oil and Gas Exploration Technician
- Gas Analyst
- Material Handling Technician
- Laboratory Worker
- Mineral Technologist
What Kind of Geological Sample Test Technician Job Opportunities Are There?
There were about 15,000 jobs for Geological Sample Test Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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 Sample Test Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,900 positions for Geological Sample Test Technician per year.

The states with the most job growth for Geological Sample Test 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.
Do Geological Sample Test Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
Geological Sample Test Technicians make between $28,020 and $108,110 a year.

Geological Sample Test Technicians who work in New Mexico, Alaska, or Kentucky, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Geological Sample Test Technicians 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 |
What Tools do Geological Sample Test Technicians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Geological Sample Test Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
- Golden Software Surfer
- Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS
- Landmark GeoGraphix
- Seismic Micro-Technology KINGDOM
- Clark Labs IDRISI Andes
- Parallel Geoscience SPW
- Midland Valley 2DMove
- Martin D Adamiker’s TruFlite
- Surface III
How do I Become a Geological Sample Test Technician?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Geological Sample Test Technician?

What work experience do I need to become a Geological Sample Test Technician?

Geological Sample Test Technicians Sector

Below are examples of industries where Geological Sample Test Technicians work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Geological Sample Test Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Geological Sample Test Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Jeffrey Beall via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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