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The differences between geoscientists and assistant 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 geoscientist and an assistant geologist. Additionally, a geoscientist has an average salary of $110,629, which is higher than the $109,783 average annual salary of an assistant geologist.
The top three skills for a geoscientist include seismic data, oil gas and data collection. The most important skills for an assistant geologist are site assessments, geotechnical, and GIS.
| Geoscientist | Assistant Geologist | |
| Yearly salary | $110,629 | $109,783 |
| Hourly rate | $53.19 | $52.78 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 302 | 702 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
An assistant geologist performs various support tasks that focus on the studies of earth materials and processes. They typically function as a member of a research team where they are in charge of gathering and analyzing samples such as soil and groundwater, generating maps and guidelines, interpreting data, drawing conclusions and recommendations, and preparing plans and written reports. Moreover, when it comes to employment, an assistant geologist works alongside an experienced geologist at government agencies, research facilities, and private companies.
Geoscientists and assistant geologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Geoscientist | Assistant Geologist | |
| Average salary | $110,629 | $109,783 |
| Salary range | Between $79,000 And $154,000 | Between $68,000 And $176,000 |
| Highest paying City | Midland, TX | - |
| Highest paying state | Texas | - |
| Best paying company | Shell | - |
| Best paying industry | Energy | - |
There are a few differences between a geoscientist and an assistant geologist in terms of educational background:
| Geoscientist | Assistant Geologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| 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 geoscientists' and assistant geologists' demographics:
| Geoscientist | Assistant Geologist | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.0% Female, 24.0% | Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 0.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Asian, 5.5% White, 82.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |