Life As a 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
- Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
- Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
- Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices.
- Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
- Test and analyze samples from potential underground carbon sequestration sites.
- Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.
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Geological Sample Test Technician Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Geological Sample Test Technicians say are important on the job.
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
- Field Tester
- Organic Section Technical Lead
- Quality Control Technician (QC Technician)
- Mineral Technologist
- Physical Science Technician
What Kind of Geological Sample Test Technician Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 15,000 jobs in the United States for Geological Sample Test 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 Sample Test 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 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?
The salary for Geological Sample Test Technicians ranges between about $28,020 and $108,110 a year.

Geological Sample Test Technicians who work in New Mexico, Alaska, or Kentucky, make the highest salaries.
How much do Geological Sample Test 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Geological Sample Test Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Geological Sample Test Technicians:
- 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?
Learn what Geological Sample Test Technician education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Geological Sample Test Technicians Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Geological Sample Test Technician may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Geological Sample Test Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Jeffrey Beall via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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