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Project geologist vs geoscientist

The differences between project 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 project geologist and a geoscientist. Additionally, a geoscientist has an average salary of $110,629, which is higher than the $94,932 average annual salary of a project geologist.

The top three skills for a project geologist include OSHA, data collection and technical reports. The most important skills for a geoscientist are seismic data, oil gas, and data collection.

Project geologist vs geoscientist overview

Project GeologistGeoscientist
Yearly salary$94,932$110,629
Hourly rate$45.64$53.19
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs6,805302
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

What does a project geologist do?

The primary duties of a Project Geologist are to study composition, structure, history, and other aspects of the Earth's crust through the examination of rocks, minerals, and fossil remains. They also collaborate with specialists and technicians about aspects of their work.

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.

Project geologist vs geoscientist salary

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

Project GeologistGeoscientist
Average salary$94,932$110,629
Salary rangeBetween $57,000 And $156,000Between $79,000 And $154,000
Highest paying CityEl Paso, TXMidland, TX
Highest paying stateTexasTexas
Best paying companyClean HarborsShell
Best paying industryManufacturingEnergy

Differences between project geologist and geoscientist education

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

Project 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

Project geologist vs geoscientist demographics

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

Project GeologistGeoscientist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 79.6% Female, 20.4%Male, 76.0% Female, 24.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 1.0% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 3.9% White, 83.1% 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 project geologist and geoscientist duties and responsibilities

Project geologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and direct soil excavation projects at UST sites, pipeline leaks, and abandon oil fields.
  • Manage numerous UST closures and site restorations
  • Used GIS software such as ArcView and AutoCad to prepare maps and figures for reports.
  • Perform various tests and procedures to ASTM standards.
  • Generate report figures and sample location maps utilizing AutoCAD software.
  • Conduct unconfined compression tests for select core samples to ASTM standards.
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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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Project geologist vs geoscientist skills

Common project geologist skills
  • OSHA, 6%
  • Data Collection, 6%
  • Technical Reports, 5%
  • Geotechnical, 4%
  • Data Management, 4%
  • GIS, 3%
Common geoscientist skills
  • Seismic Data, 9%
  • Oil Gas, 8%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Reservoir Characterization, 6%
  • Petrel, 6%
  • Geotechnical, 6%

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