Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians: Job 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.
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What Tasks Do Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Perform?
Typical responsibilities of geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians include:
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- 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.
Key Skills and Knowledge
Successful geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians rely on a mix of skills and domain knowledge.
Key Skills
These are the skills that matter most in this role, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Core Knowledge
Other Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Job Titles
People in this occupation may also be known by titles such as:
- Acid Tester
- Chalk Tester
- Construction Material Technician
- Construction Materials Field Technician (Construction Materials Field Tech)
- Construction Materials Technician (Construction Materials Tech)
- Construction Materials Testing Technician (Construction Materials Testing Tech)
- Core Inspector
- Crude Tester
Job Outlook
There are about 51,722 geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians working in the United States today. Employment is projected to grow by +9.9% over the projection horizon.
How Much Do Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Make?
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median | $119,992 |
| Hourly median | $57.69 |
| 10th percentile | $80,035 |
| 25th percentile | $100,014 |
| 75th percentile | $139,970 |
| 90th percentile | $159,949 |
Wages vary widely based on experience, location, and industry.
How Much Do Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Make in Different U.S. States?
| State | Annual median salary |
|---|---|
| Nevada | $72,440 |
| New Jersey | $68,000 |
| Alaska | $67,730 |
| Indiana | $65,490 |
| New Mexico | $64,170 |
| California | $63,160 |
| Kentucky | $61,820 |
| Utah | $61,150 |
| Washington | $60,540 |
| Montana | $59,240 |
| Ohio | $56,610 |
| Oregon | $56,590 |
| Idaho | $55,530 |
| Louisiana | $52,920 |
| Minnesota | $52,480 |
| New York | $51,610 |
| Tennessee | $51,010 |
| South Carolina | $50,510 |
| Kansas | $49,590 |
| Florida | $49,370 |
| North Dakota | $48,540 |
| Arizona | $48,330 |
| Illinois | $46,880 |
| West Virginia | $45,950 |
| Wyoming | $45,430 |
| North Carolina | $44,930 |
| Oklahoma | $44,640 |
| Texas | $43,780 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,340 |
| Alabama | $40,050 |
| Michigan | $37,620 |
Top-Paying U.S. Regions
Compensation for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians differ across the country. These regions lead on median pay:
| Region | Median annual wage | Share of U.S. jobs | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Far Western US | $65,080 | 18.5% | 1.84 |
| Rocky Mountains | $60,446 | 2.4% | 1.53 |
| Southeast | $48,763 | 7.6% | 0.93 |
| Plains States | $48,540 | 1.4% | 4.01 |
| Middle Atlantic | $46,662 | 9.2% | 1.04 |
| Great Lakes | $45,871 | 4.2% | 0.35 |
| Southwest | $43,925 | 56.7% | 4.69 |
Highest-Paying Metro Areas for Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
| Metro area | State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | NY | $66,080 | 110 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | CA | $64,570 | 120 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | CA | $63,160 | |
| Tulsa, OK | OK | $62,780 | 100 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | WA | $60,540 | |
| Reno, NV | NV | $58,590 | 70 |
| Boise City, ID | ID | $58,190 | |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | TX | $56,770 | 920 |
Top Industries Employing Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
The bulk of geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians are found across these industries:
| Industry | Employment | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 5,310 | $48,330 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | 3,240 | $45,480 |
| Manufacturing | 280 | $57,880 |
| Educational Services | 180 | $53,290 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 130 | $45,950 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 120 | $95,470 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 110 | $63,840 |
| Utilities | 60 | $83,520 |
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians work in the following industries:
Software Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Use
- Graphics or photo imaging software: Adobe Illustrator (hot technology)
- Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD (hot technology)
- Geographic information system: ESRI ArcGIS software (hot technology)
- Data base user interface and query software: Microsoft Access (hot technology)
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook (hot technology)
- Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint (hot technology)
- Word processing software: Microsoft Word (hot technology)
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software: SAP software (hot technology)
Work Environment
Daily working conditions for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians tends to involve the following characteristics:
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Telephone Conversations
How to Become Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
This occupation sits in Considerable Preparation Needed (Job Zone 4), indicating the level of preparation typically expected.
Related Careers
Similar Occupations
- Geodetic Surveyors (Primary-Short)
- Electrical Engineers (Supplemental)
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers (Supplemental)
- Petroleum Engineers (Supplemental)
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians (Supplemental)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians (Supplemental)
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians (Primary-Long)
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (Primary-Long)
Top Programs to Study For This Career
Aspiring geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians commonly pursue programs in:
Science Technologies/Technicians
4 programs across 3 majors
Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields
3 programs across 1 majors
Physical Sciences
1 programs across 1 majors
Sources
This profile draws on the following authoritative sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
- BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
- O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.
SOC code: 19-4043.00 (Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians).
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