What is a Geoscientist?
Position Description Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth’s internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
A Day in the Life of a Geoscientist
- Determine ways to mitigate the negative consequences of mineral dust dispersion.
- Identify new sources of platinum group elements for industrial applications, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.
- Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or other applications.
- Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
- Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
- Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Geoscientist?
Geoscientists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Field Geologist
- Invertebrate Paleontologist
- Sedimentationist
- Project Geophysicist
- Geological Specialist
Job Opportunities for Geoscientists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 32,000 jobs in the United States for Geoscientist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,500 new jobs for Geoscientist by 2026. There will be an estimated 3,500 positions for Geoscientist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Geoscientist are Tennessee, Colorado, and Oregon. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, Vermont, or North Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Geoscientist
Geoscientists make between $49,430 and $187,990 a year.
Geoscientists who work in Texas, Oklahoma, or Louisiana, make the highest salaries.
How much do Geoscientists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,970 |
| Alaska | $99,400 |
| Arizona | $77,650 |
| Arkansas | $67,260 |
| California | $97,550 |
| Colorado | $111,130 |
| Connecticut | $85,250 |
| Delaware | $80,570 |
| Florida | $80,970 |
| Georgia | $68,860 |
| Hawaii | $109,530 |
| Idaho | $88,060 |
| Illinois | $69,480 |
| Indiana | $61,870 |
| Iowa | $71,490 |
| Kansas | $77,590 |
| Kentucky | $73,230 |
| Louisiana | $109,700 |
| Maine | $74,380 |
| Maryland | $90,110 |
| Massachusetts | $87,650 |
| Minnesota | $78,410 |
| Mississippi | $91,490 |
| Missouri | $70,340 |
| Montana | $92,680 |
| Nebraska | $79,570 |
| Nevada | $94,500 |
| New Hampshire | $95,510 |
| New Jersey | $98,050 |
| New Mexico | $86,620 |
| New York | $76,360 |
| North Carolina | $71,830 |
| North Dakota | $97,320 |
| Ohio | $75,600 |
| Oklahoma | $123,230 |
| Oregon | $74,920 |
| Pennsylvania | $108,580 |
| Rhode Island | $88,130 |
| South Carolina | $72,040 |
| South Dakota | $63,680 |
| Tennessee | $77,510 |
| Texas | $150,140 |
| Utah | $80,970 |
| Virginia | $96,290 |
| Washington | $93,710 |
| West Virginia | $77,530 |
| Wisconsin | $75,110 |
| Wyoming | $73,220 |
What Tools do Geoscientists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Geoscientists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- MySQL
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Geographic information system GIS software
- ESRI ArcView
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Becoming a Geoscientist
Individuals working as a Geoscientist have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Geoscientist?
Who Employs Geoscientists?
The table below shows the approximate number of Geoscientists employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Geoscientist may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Geoscientist sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Kelvinsong via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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