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Field geologist vs exploration geologist

The differences between field geologists and exploration geologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a field geologist and an exploration geologist. Additionally, an exploration geologist has an average salary of $112,376, which is higher than the $109,947 average annual salary of a field geologist.

The top three skills for a field geologist include data collection, geotechnical and well design. The most important skills for an exploration geologist are geochemical, arcgis, and drill holes.

Field geologist vs exploration geologist overview

Field GeologistExploration Geologist
Yearly salary$109,947$112,376
Hourly rate$52.86$54.03
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs45,359667
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

What does a field geologist do?

A Field Geologist is specialized in a certain field of geology, such as minerology, paleontology, or geotechnology. They study the earth's crust to obtain an accurate picture of its structure, history, and composition.

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.

Field geologist vs exploration geologist salary

Field geologists and exploration geologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Field GeologistExploration Geologist
Average salary$109,947$112,376
Salary rangeBetween $65,000 And $185,000Between $65,000 And $191,000
Highest paying City-Houston, TX
Highest paying state-Texas
Best paying company-Continental Resources
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between field geologist and exploration geologist education

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

Field GeologistExploration Geologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorGeologyGeology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Field geologist vs exploration geologist demographics

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

Field GeologistExploration Geologist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 81.2% Female, 18.8%Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 0.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Asian, 5.5% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%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%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between field geologist and exploration geologist duties and responsibilities

Field geologist example responsibilities.

  • Establish an LLC and learned the fundamentals of running and managing a small business.
  • Prepare maps by positioning and plotting GPS points from localities find onto current geological maps.
  • Collect soil and rock samples and classify according to ASTM national guidelines.
  • Rely upon to handle geological rock samples classification and description with ASTM standards.
  • Interpret rate of penetration, gas data, and MWD gamma data to call formation tops.
  • Work in a team with geologists, MWD loggers, drillers, engineers, and practice safety procedures.
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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.
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Field geologist vs exploration geologist skills

Common field geologist skills
  • Data Collection, 11%
  • Geotechnical, 9%
  • Well Design, 7%
  • Site Assessments, 6%
  • Water Samples, 6%
  • Technical Reports, 5%
Common exploration geologist skills
  • Geochemical, 9%
  • ArcGIS, 9%
  • Drill Holes, 7%
  • GIS, 7%
  • RC, 6%
  • Geotechnical, 4%

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