Post job

Geoscientist vs development geologist

The differences between geoscientists and development 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 a development geologist. Additionally, a development geologist has an average salary of $110,970, which is higher than the $110,629 average annual salary of a geoscientist.

The top three skills for a geoscientist include seismic data, oil gas and data collection. The most important skills for a development geologist are reservoir characterization, AFE, and production data.

Geoscientist vs development geologist overview

GeoscientistDevelopment Geologist
Yearly salary$110,629$110,970
Hourly rate$53.19$53.35
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs30245,844
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

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.

What does a development geologist do?

A Development Geologist is responsible for geological static modeling and database management. They report best-practice technological advances to management.

Geoscientist vs development geologist salary

Geoscientists and development geologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

GeoscientistDevelopment Geologist
Average salary$110,629$110,970
Salary rangeBetween $79,000 And $154,000Between $71,000 And $171,000
Highest paying CityMidland, TXThe Woodlands, TX
Highest paying stateTexasTexas
Best paying companyShellChevron
Best paying industryEnergyHospitality

Differences between geoscientist and development geologist education

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

GeoscientistDevelopment Geologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorGeologyGeology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Geoscientist vs development geologist demographics

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

GeoscientistDevelopment Geologist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 76.0% Female, 24.0%Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6%
Race ratioBlack 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, 1.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.6% Asian, 4.0% White, 83.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between geoscientist and development geologist duties and responsibilities

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

Development geologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the field budget, and liability of MWD field equipment.
  • Manage the installation of geophones, tiltmeters, inclinometers, passive vent wells, gas caps, and ORWs.
  • Create mineral rights lease maps utilizing ArcMap (GIS).
  • Correlate well logs using PETRA and other programs, and research production zones for solid and fluid minerals.
  • Prospect generation and development has been expedite by becoming proficient in Petra mapping software.
  • Review farm-out requests, prepare well prognoses, monitor area-drilling activity, and conduct miscellaneous well-site activities in Texas and Oklahoma.
  • Show more

Geoscientist vs development geologist skills

Common geoscientist skills
  • Seismic Data, 9%
  • Oil Gas, 8%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Reservoir Characterization, 6%
  • Petrel, 6%
  • Geotechnical, 6%
Common development geologist skills
  • Reservoir Characterization, 22%
  • AFE, 7%
  • Production Data, 6%
  • Well Log, 6%
  • Petrel, 6%
  • Log Analysis, 6%

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs