Shigoto Zukan
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How to become geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$101,920
25th–75th pct. $75,110–$139,380
Top pay (est.)
$260,300
Top 10% $200,230
Pay in 5 years
$116,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$132,200est.
$113,700–$153,500
Outlook score
56/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
64%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.1%
1,800 openings / yr

How to become geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
5.1
Writing
4.9
Science
4.8
Complex Problem Solving
4.4
Speaking
4.2
Critical Thinking
4.2
Active Listening
4.2
Judgment and Decision Making
4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Geography
6.2
Mathematics
5.1
English Language
4.9
Chemistry
4.8
Physics
4.7
Education and Training
4.6
Engineering and Technology
4.6
Computers and Electronics
4.6

What the work involves

Processing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeThinking CreativelyGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionInductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
48%
Master's degree
37%
Doctoral degree
7%
Post-doctoral training
4%
Post-bachelor's certificate
4%

Training before entry

6–12 months
19%
1–3 months
19%
3–6 months
19%
Up to 1 month
19%
1–2 years
11%
None / short demo
7%
2–4 years
4%
4–10 years
4%

Related work experience

None
33%
1–2 years
33%
1–3 months
11%
2–4 years
7%
6–12 months
7%
4–6 years
4%
3–6 months
4%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

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.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.