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Consulting geologist vs geoscientist

The differences between consulting geologists and geoscientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a consulting geologist and a geoscientist. Additionally, a consulting geologist has an average salary of $112,160, which is higher than the $110,629 average annual salary of a geoscientist.

The top three skills for a consulting geologist include GIS, technical reports and geotechnical. The most important skills for a geoscientist are seismic data, oil gas, and data collection.

Consulting geologist vs geoscientist overview

Consulting GeologistGeoscientist
Yearly salary$112,160$110,629
Hourly rate$53.92$53.19
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs5,484302
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

What does a consulting geologist do?

Geology Consultants are experts in their field who assist with different geology-related projects and research. They are generally specialized in petroleum, environmental, or hydrology geology.

What does a geoscientist do?

A geoscientist specializes in studying geosciences and performing research and analysis. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around crafting research plans, conducting field mapping and studies to examine geological structures, gathering samples, obtaining photographic evidence, and conducting different experiments and scientific studies. As a geoscientist, it is essential to maintain an extensive record of data, summarize results in reports and presentations, and collaborate with different scientists. They may publish their studies in various publications, utilize them for other projects and programs, or raise public awareness.

Consulting geologist vs geoscientist salary

Consulting geologists and geoscientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Consulting GeologistGeoscientist
Average salary$112,160$110,629
Salary rangeBetween $65,000 And $191,000Between $79,000 And $154,000
Highest paying City-Midland, TX
Highest paying state-Texas
Best paying company-Shell
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between consulting geologist and geoscientist education

There are a few differences between a consulting geologist and a geoscientist in terms of educational background:

Consulting GeologistGeoscientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorGeologyGeology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Consulting geologist vs geoscientist demographics

Here are the differences between consulting geologists' and geoscientists' demographics:

Consulting GeologistGeoscientist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 86.8% Female, 13.2%Male, 76.0% Female, 24.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 1.1% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Asian, 3.7% White, 82.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 0.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Asian, 5.7% White, 81.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between consulting geologist and geoscientist duties and responsibilities

Consulting geologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage task training and laboratory/field safety according to MSHA standards.
  • Work on projects in both oil and gas and environmental consulting using GIS base software, maintain database in Petra
  • Used Petra for mapping purposes and cross-sections.
  • Support Petra, SMT-Kingdom projects and software.
  • Initiate the geological and geotechnical pit mapping program, and a surveillance program for pit slope stability.
  • Operate a Trimble GPS (cm accuracy) unit to locate grid positions for a gravity survey.
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Geoscientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage, design and supervise geologic investigation drilling plans relate to environmental, geotechnical and mining projects.
  • Collect locality data using GPS hand-held units.
  • Perform temporary water line stake outs using Trimble GPS unit.
  • Advise on selecting models using Seisware, Petra, and PHDWin.
  • Utilize classical methodology and modern tools to create and maintain Petra databases.
  • Work in close coordination with EPA, PRPs, and other agencies as applicable.
  • Show more

Consulting geologist vs geoscientist skills

Common consulting geologist skills
  • GIS, 20%
  • Technical Reports, 16%
  • Geotechnical, 7%
  • Data Collection, 6%
  • Data Interpretation, 5%
  • AU, 4%
Common geoscientist skills
  • Seismic Data, 9%
  • Oil Gas, 8%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Reservoir Characterization, 6%
  • Petrel, 6%
  • Geotechnical, 6%

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