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Field geologist vs geoscientist

The differences between field 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 field geologist and a geoscientist. Additionally, a geoscientist has an average salary of $110,629, 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 a geoscientist are seismic data, oil gas, and data collection.

Field geologist vs geoscientist overview

Field GeologistGeoscientist
Yearly salary$109,947$110,629
Hourly rate$52.86$53.19
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs45,359302
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
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 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.

Field geologist vs geoscientist salary

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

Field GeologistGeoscientist
Average salary$109,947$110,629
Salary rangeBetween $65,000 And $185,000Between $79,000 And $154,000
Highest paying City-Midland, TX
Highest paying state-Texas
Best paying company-Shell
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between field geologist and geoscientist education

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

Field GeologistGeoscientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorGeologyGeology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Field geologist vs geoscientist demographics

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

Field GeologistGeoscientist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 81.2% Female, 18.8%Male, 76.0% Female, 24.0%
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, 5.7% White, 81.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between field geologist and geoscientist 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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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.
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Field geologist vs geoscientist skills

Common field geologist skills
  • Data Collection, 11%
  • Geotechnical, 9%
  • Well Design, 7%
  • Site Assessments, 6%
  • Water Samples, 6%
  • Technical Reports, 5%
Common geoscientist skills
  • Seismic Data, 9%
  • Oil Gas, 8%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Reservoir Characterization, 6%
  • Petrel, 6%
  • Geotechnical, 6%

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