Become A Geologist
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Geologist
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
- Interacting With Computers
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Processing Information
$100,000
Average Salary
What Does A Geologist Do
How To Become A Geologist
Geoscientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree for most entry-level positions. In several states, geoscientists may need a license to offer their services to the public.
EducationGeoscientists need at least a bachelor’s degree for most entry-level positions. However, some workers begin their careers as geoscientists with a master’s degree. A Ph.D. is necessary for most basic research and college teaching positions.
A degree in geoscience is preferred by employers, although a degree in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering, or computer science usually is accepted if it includes coursework in geology.
Most geoscience programs include geology courses in mineralogy, petrology, and structural geology, which are important for all geoscientists. In addition to classes in geology, most programs require students to take courses in other physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Some programs include training on specific software packages that will be useful to those seeking a career as a geoscientist.
Computer knowledge is essential for geoscientists. Students who have experience with computer modeling, data analysis, and digital mapping will be the most prepared to enter the job market.
Many employers seek applicants who have gained field and laboratory experience while pursuing a degree. Summer field camp programs offer students the opportunity to work closely with professors and apply their classroom knowledge in the field. Students can gain valuable experience in data collection and geologic mapping.
Important QualitiesCommunication skills. Geoscientists write reports and research papers. They must be able to present their findings clearly to clients or professionals who do not have a background in geoscience.
Critical-thinking skills. Geoscientists base their findings on sound observation and careful evaluation of data.
Interpersonal skills. Most geoscientists work as part of a team with engineers, technicians, and other scientists.
Outdoor skills. Geoscientists may spend significant amounts of time outdoors. Familiarity with camping skills, general comfort being outside for long periods, and specific skills such as boat handling or even being able to pilot an aircraft could prove useful for geoscientists.
Physical stamina. Geoscientists may need to hike to remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment when they conduct fieldwork.
Problem-solving skills. Geoscientists work on complex projects filled with challenges. Evaluating statistical data and other forms of information in order to make judgments and inform the actions of other workers requires a special ability to perceive and address problems.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsSome states require geoscientists to obtain a license to practice. Requirements vary by state but typically include minimum education and experience requirements and a passing score on an exam.
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Geologist jobs
Geologist Career Paths
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Senior Geologist 5.1 years
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Project Geologist 3.5 years
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Exploration Geologist 3.3 years
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Staff Geologist 3.0 years
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Hydrogeologist 3.0 years
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Geologist 3.0 years
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Consulting Geologist 2.9 years
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Field Geologist 1.9 years
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Internship 10.2%
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Research Assistant 8.5%
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Staff Geologist 7.7%
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Senior Geologist 7.4%
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Teaching Assistant 7.4%
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Project Geologist 6.1%
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Field Geologist 5.4%
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Consulting Geologist 4.8%
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Project Manager 4.4%
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Geology Internship 4.0%
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Consultant 3.3%
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Mine Geologist 3.1%
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Technician 2.9%
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Hydrogeologist 2.5%
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Associate 2.4%
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Field Technician 2.3%
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Laboratory Assistant 2.2%
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Senior Geologist 18.6%
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Project Manager 9.6%
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Consulting Geologist 9.2%
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Project Geologist 9.0%
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Staff Geologist 6.5%
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Consultant 4.9%
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Mine Geologist 4.0%
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Field Geologist 2.7%
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Exploration Manager 2.7%
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Research Assistant 2.7%
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Hydrogeologist 2.4%
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Teaching Assistant 2.3%
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Geophysicist 2.3%
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Principal 2.0%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Geologist
Top Careers After Geologist
Geologist Demographics
Gender
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Male
76.4% -
Female
21.6% -
Unknown
2.0%
Ethnicity
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White
79.9% -
Hispanic or Latino
8.5% -
Asian
7.5% -
Unknown
2.8% -
Black or African American
1.4%
Languages Spoken
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Spanish
51.0% -
French
9.5% -
German
6.8% -
Russian
4.8% -
Dakota
4.8% -
Arabic
4.8% -
Portuguese
2.7% -
Greek
2.0% -
Italian
2.0% -
Korean
1.4% -
Chinese
1.4% -
Czech
1.4% -
Japanese
1.4% -
Amharic
1.4% -
Hebrew
1.4% -
Turkish
0.7% -
Cheyenne
0.7% -
Indonesian
0.7% -
Ukrainian
0.7% -
Lithuanian
0.7%
Geologist
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Geologist Education
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Oklahoma State University
7.5% -
University of Houston
7.3% -
Colorado School of Mines
6.9% -
Texas A&M University
6.5% -
West Virginia University
5.9% -
University of Wyoming
5.9% -
Pennsylvania State University
5.5% -
University of Texas at Austin
5.3% -
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
4.9% -
University of Idaho
4.9% -
University of Colorado at Boulder
4.7% -
University of Montana
4.3% -
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
4.3% -
University of Oklahoma
4.3% -
Missouri University of Science and Technology
3.7% -
University of Texas at El Paso
3.7% -
Northern Illinois University
3.7% -
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
3.7% -
Western Michigan University
3.7% -
Western Washington University
3.5% -
Geology 80.4%
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Business 1.8%
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Geography 1.7%
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Civil Engineering 0.9%
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Mining Engineering 0.9%
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Management 0.8%
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Chemistry 0.8%
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Education 0.6%
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Elementary Education 0.6%
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Computer Science 0.5%
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Project Management 0.5%
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Mathematics 0.4%
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Biology 0.4%
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Finance 0.4%
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History 0.4%
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Engineering 0.4%
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Bachelors
50.8% -
Masters
34.7% -
Other
8.2% -
Doctorate
3.1% -
Certificate
1.6% -
Associate
0.9% -
Diploma
0.7% -
License
0.0%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Geologist
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Geologist Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geologist | Surge Operating LLC | Houston, TX | Sep 24, 2016 | $250,000 |
| Geologist | Shell Exploration and Production Company | Houston, TX | Sep 12, 2015 | $198,400 |
| Geologist | Chevron Corporation | Houston, TX | Dec 09, 2016 | $169,900 |
| Geologist | BP America Inc. | Houston, TX | Sep 01, 2015 | $161,800 |
| New Ventures Geologist | Murphy Exploration & Production Co. | Houston, TX | Feb 24, 2015 | $158,550 |
| New Ventures Geologist | Murphy Exploration and Production Company | Houston, TX | Oct 01, 2015 | $158,550 |
| Structural Geologist | Shell Exploration and Production Company | Houston, TX | Aug 29, 2016 | $153,800 |
| Structural Geologist | Shell International Exploration and Production Inc. | Houston, TX | Mar 21, 2016 | $153,800 |
| Geologist (Auditor) | BP America Inc. | Houston, TX | Feb 01, 2015 | $151,471 |
| Geologist | Broken Hill Proprietary (USA), Inc. | Houston, TX | Nov 02, 2016 | $150,000 |
| Chief Geologist | SW Tech Corporation | Pasadena, CA | Jan 09, 2016 | $150,000 |
| Geologist | Shell Oil Company | Houston, TX | May 10, 2015 | $143,700 |
| Geologist II | Marathon Oil Company | Oklahoma City, OK | Aug 09, 2016 | $142,100 |
| Geologist Geomodeller | Marathon Oil Corporation | Houston, TX | Jul 13, 2015 | $127,000 |
| Geologist | BP America Inc. | Houston, TX | Oct 01, 2015 | $123,600 |
| Geologist | BP America Inc. | Houston, TX | Jan 10, 2015 | $123,600 |
| Geologist | Conocophillips Company | Houston, TX | Jul 01, 2015 | $123,384 - $131,016 |
| Geologist | Conocophillips Company | Houston, TX | Aug 18, 2015 | $123,384 - $131,016 |
| Geologist | Shell Oil Company | Houston, TX | Dec 21, 2015 | $121,400 |
| Geologist | BP America Inc. | Houston, TX | Aug 30, 2016 | $120,182 - $183,752 |
| Structural Geologist | Newmont USA Limited | Elko, NV | May 09, 2016 | $107,120 |
| Geologist | Noble Energy, Inc. | Houston, TX | Aug 08, 2015 | $106,000 |
| Geologist | Lhoist North America, Inc. | Fort Worth, TX | Sep 29, 2015 | $105,000 - $130,000 |
| Geologist I | Anadarko Petroleum Corporation | The Woodlands, TX | Aug 25, 2015 | $102,743 - $116,979 |
| Structural Geologist | Newmont USA Limited | Elko, NV | Oct 03, 2016 | $101,837 - $107,120 |
| Geologist | Weatherford International, LLC | Oklahoma City, OK | Jun 22, 2015 | $100,245 - $110,245 |
| Geologist II | Core Laboratories LP | Houston, TX | Sep 13, 2016 | $100,000 |
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Top Skills for A Geologist
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Top Geologist Skills
- Geological Reports
- Water Samples
- Safety Plans
- Generated geological reports, logs, show reports, geological prognoses and geological formation top picks.
- Collect water samples and flow data Job Designation: Core Logging Supervisor Core Responsibilities: 1.)
- Prepared and implemented Health and Safety plans.
- Managed a staff of geologic professionals and Reno office technical support employees.
- Presented updated version to a multidisciplinary group, including reservoir engineers for analysis of field development uncertainties.
Top Geologist Employers
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