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The differences between exploration geologists and development 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 a development geologist. Additionally, an exploration geologist has an average salary of $112,376, which is higher than the $110,970 average annual salary of a development geologist.
The top three skills for an exploration geologist include geochemical, arcgis and drill holes. The most important skills for a development geologist are reservoir characterization, AFE, and production data.
| Exploration Geologist | Development Geologist | |
| Yearly salary | $112,376 | $110,970 |
| Hourly rate | $54.03 | $53.35 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 667 | 45,844 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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.
A Development Geologist is responsible for geological static modeling and database management. They report best-practice technological advances to management.
Exploration geologists and development geologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Exploration Geologist | Development Geologist | |
| Average salary | $112,376 | $110,970 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $191,000 | Between $71,000 And $171,000 |
| Highest paying City | Houston, TX | The Woodlands, TX |
| Highest paying state | Texas | Texas |
| Best paying company | Continental Resources | Chevron |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between an exploration geologist and a development geologist in terms of educational background:
| Exploration Geologist | Development Geologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 development geologists' demographics:
| Exploration Geologist | Development Geologist | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| 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, 1.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.6% Asian, 4.0% White, 83.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |