All About Geoscientists
Job 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.
What Do Geoscientists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
- Develop strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.
- Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.
- Locate potential sources of geothermal energy.
- Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
- Research geomechanical or geochemical processes to be used in carbon sequestration projects.
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Geoscientist Needed Skills
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:
- Oceanologist
- Project Geologist
- Engineering Geologist
- Sedimentationist
- Geologist
Job Opportunities for Geoscientists
There were about 32,000 jobs for Geoscientist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 3,500 yearly job openings in this field.
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
The average yearly salary of a Geoscientist ranges between $49,430 and $187,990.
Geoscientists who work in Texas, Oklahoma, or Louisiana, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Geoscientists in different U.S. states.
| 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Geoscientists
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
How do I Become a Geoscientist?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Geoscientist?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Geoscientist?
Geoscientists Sector
Below are examples of industries where Geoscientists work:
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Are you already one of the many Geoscientist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Kelvinsong via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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