Geoscientist vs geological specialist

The differences between geoscientists and geological specialists 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 geological specialist. Additionally, a geoscientist has an average salary of $110,629, which is higher than the $63,259 average annual salary of a geological specialist.

The top three skills for a geoscientist include seismic data, oil gas and data collection. The most important skills for a geological specialist are GIS, technical support, and meeting materials.

Geoscientist vs geological specialist overview

	Geoscientist	Geological Specialist
Yearly salary	$110,629	$63,259
Hourly rate	$53.19	$30.41
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	302	19,801
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	12	12

Geoscientist vs geological specialist salary

Geoscientists and geological specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Geoscientist	Geological Specialist
Average salary	$110,629	$63,259
Salary range	Between $79,000 And $154,000	Between $39,000 And $101,000
Highest paying City	Midland, TX	-
Highest paying state	Texas	-
Best paying company	Shell	-
Best paying industry	Energy	-

Differences between geoscientist and geological specialist education

There are a few differences between a geoscientist and a geological specialist in terms of educational background:

	Geoscientist	Geological Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common major	Geology	Geology
Most common college	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Geoscientist vs geological specialist demographics

Here are the differences between geoscientists' and geological specialists' demographics:

	Geoscientist	Geological Specialist
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 76.0% Female, 24.0%	Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
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, 0.5% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 86.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between geoscientist and geological specialist 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.

Geological specialist example responsibilities.

Manage the sites NPDES permit program to ensure compliance with DMR reporting and storm water sampling.
Provide data analysis and mapping services using state-of-the-art GIS computer systems.
Train employees on GIS use.
Archive all data associate with SMT, and Geographix.
Conduct research using online federal regulations, review Medicare and Medicaid policy and guidelines to complete an accurate and well-support decision.
Maintain department SharePoint site including site administration.

Geoscientist vs geological specialist skills

Common geoscientist skills

Seismic Data, 9%
Oil Gas, 8%
Data Collection, 7%
Reservoir Characterization, 6%
Petrel, 6%
Geotechnical, 6%

Common geological specialist skills

GIS, 41%
Technical Support, 30%
Meeting Materials, 29%

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Geoscientist vs Geological Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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