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The differences between exploration geologists and assistant geologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an exploration geologist and an assistant geologist. Additionally, an exploration geologist has an average salary of $112,376, which is higher than the $109,783 average annual salary of an assistant geologist.
The top three skills for an exploration geologist include geochemical, arcgis and drill holes. The most important skills for an assistant geologist are site assessments, geotechnical, and GIS.
| Exploration Geologist | Assistant Geologist | |
| Yearly salary | $112,376 | $109,783 |
| Hourly rate | $54.03 | $52.78 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 667 | 702 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
An exploration geologist is an expert in finding mineral deposits that can be extracted using geophysical techniques, such as electromagnetic, gravitational, or seismic methods. They collect samples from test sites to distinguish the depth, quantity, quantity, and type of mineral. They study the earth's structure to predict the locations of natural resources and to plan programs for exploration. They must record all collected data and samples for further analysis and study. They must ensure the accuracy of their forecasts since mistakes in this position are very costly.
An assistant geologist performs various support tasks that focus on the studies of earth materials and processes. They typically function as a member of a research team where they are in charge of gathering and analyzing samples such as soil and groundwater, generating maps and guidelines, interpreting data, drawing conclusions and recommendations, and preparing plans and written reports. Moreover, when it comes to employment, an assistant geologist works alongside an experienced geologist at government agencies, research facilities, and private companies.
Exploration geologists and assistant geologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Exploration Geologist | Assistant Geologist | |
| Average salary | $112,376 | $109,783 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $191,000 | Between $68,000 And $176,000 |
| Highest paying City | Houston, TX | - |
| Highest paying state | Texas | - |
| Best paying company | Continental Resources | - |
| Best paying industry | Energy | - |
There are a few differences between an exploration geologist and an assistant geologist in terms of educational background:
| Exploration Geologist | Assistant Geologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Geology | Geology |
| Most common college | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between exploration geologists' and assistant geologists' demographics:
| Exploration Geologist | Assistant Geologist | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8% | Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 0.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Asian, 4.5% White, 82.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 0.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Asian, 5.5% White, 82.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |