Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Also called: Consultant Geologist, Development Geologist, Engineering Geologist, Environmental Geologist, Environmental Protection Geologist, Exploration Geologist, Field Geologist, Geochemist
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth.
What geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers do
Typical tasks
- Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
- Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
- Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
- Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
- Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
- Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.
- Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.
- Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
- Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
Typical path into the job (BLS)
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary
The median annual wage for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers is $101,920 (BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, national). The lowest 10 percent earn less than $59,330 and the highest 10 percent earn more than $200,230. The mean annual wage is $116,150.
The mean hourly wage of $55.00 is 7.6× the federal minimum wage of $7.25. State minimums are higher in most large states. Minimum wage by state →
How does your pay compare with people your age?
Your numbers are not sent or stored. The comparison uses this occupation's BLS wage percentiles, adjusted for age with BLS median weekly earnings by age group (Q3 2026).
Pay by percentile
Annual wage percentiles from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Percentiles are a good proxy for pay by experience.
Projected pay for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (3, 5 and 10 years)est.
Today $101,920 → in 3 years $110,200 → in 5 years $116,100 → in 10 years $132,200 (10-year range $113,700–$153,500). The model assumes pay growth of +2.6% per year.
What drives the annual growth rate
Projected pay = current pay × (1 + annual growth)^years. The annual growth rate starts from a base wage-growth rate and adds or subtracts labor demand (BLS projected employment growth), wage momentum and AI replacement risk for each occupation. Projections are not guarantees. How it is calculated →
Outlook score for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Each component is a percentile rank among all occupations in the same country (0–100). Weights: labor demand 25, wage momentum / openings 15, pay level 15, AI resistance 25, aging workforce 10 (Japan only), entry barrier 10.
Will AI replace Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers? AI replacement risk
How AI is changing this job
A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.
AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →
Labor demand for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Employment projections are from the BLS Employment Projections program (2025–35). Annual openings include both new jobs and replacement of workers who leave the occupation.
Skills, education and requirements for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Important abilities
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
How to become geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Career path and how to earn more as geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.