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Exploration geologist vs geoscientist

The differences between exploration 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 an exploration geologist and a geoscientist. Additionally, an exploration geologist has an average salary of $112,376, which is higher than the $110,629 average annual salary of a geoscientist.

The top three skills for an exploration geologist include geochemical, arcgis and drill holes. The most important skills for a geoscientist are seismic data, oil gas, and data collection.

Exploration geologist vs geoscientist overview

Exploration GeologistGeoscientist
Yearly salary$112,376$110,629
Hourly rate$54.03$53.19
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs667302
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

What does an exploration geologist do?

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.

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.

Exploration geologist vs geoscientist salary

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

Exploration GeologistGeoscientist
Average salary$112,376$110,629
Salary rangeBetween $65,000 And $191,000Between $79,000 And $154,000
Highest paying CityHouston, TXMidland, TX
Highest paying stateTexasTexas
Best paying companyContinental ResourcesShell
Best paying industryEnergyEnergy

Differences between exploration geologist and geoscientist education

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

Exploration GeologistGeoscientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorGeologyGeology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Exploration geologist vs geoscientist demographics

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

Exploration GeologistGeoscientist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 82.2% Female, 17.8%Male, 76.0% Female, 24.0%
Race ratioBlack 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, 6.4% Asian, 5.7% White, 81.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between exploration geologist and geoscientist duties and responsibilities

Exploration geologist example responsibilities.

  • Develop and/or lead short courses and seminars on eolian sedimentology, the characterization of heterogeneous reservoirs and reservoir management.
  • Create and update maps using ESRI ArcGIS software and maintain a GIS database.
  • Mentore numerous junior staff in GIS, data management, spatial analysis, and presenting papers.
  • Conduct in-depth studies of the sedimentology, stratigraphy, and petrography of sandstone reservoirs base on core analysis.
  • Mentore team on geosteering best practices.
  • Used Petra software for cross-sections and mapping.
  • Show more

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

Exploration geologist vs geoscientist skills

Common exploration geologist skills
  • Geochemical, 9%
  • ArcGIS, 9%
  • Drill Holes, 7%
  • GIS, 7%
  • RC, 6%
  • Geotechnical, 4%
Common geoscientist skills
  • Seismic Data, 9%
  • Oil Gas, 8%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Reservoir Characterization, 6%
  • Petrel, 6%
  • Geotechnical, 6%

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