Geoscientists

Also Called: Geologist, Geophysicist, Geoscientist, Project Geologist

What Geoscientists do

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

  • Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
  • Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
  • Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

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Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Duration of Typical Work Week
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work

Tools

  • Soil core sampling apparatus
  • Sonars
  • Paramagnetic susceptibility analyzers
  • Electromagnetic geophysical instruments
  • Radarbased surveillance systems

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
Gemcom Surpac
The MathWorks MATLAB
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Map creation software
ESRI ArcView
Geographic information system GIS software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Science
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening

Knowledge

Math and Science
geography
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Education and Training
teaching and course design

Education

  • 44% Master's degree
  • 38% Bachelor's degree
  • 9% Doctoral degree

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Cooperation

Values

  • Independence
  • Achievement
  • Recognition

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math
  • Visual Understanding

This is what Geoscientists across the country typically make.

$25.24 / hour
$52,500 /year

Entry Level

$44.51 / hour
$92,580 /year

Median Level

$82.98 / hour
$172,600 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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