Geoscientist
Study the Earth’s rocks, water and processes to find resources and reduce hazards.
- $101,920
- 4-year degree plus field camp
Education & Childcare career
Earth Sciences Professor
Also called: Geology Professor · Geoscience Professor · Oceanography Professor · Atmospheric Science Professor
What earth sciences professors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an earth sciences professor do?
Atmospheric, earth, marine and space sciences teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in geology, oceanography, meteorology and space science, and conduct research. The median pay is $103,170 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +2.4% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$103,170Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+2.4%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train5–7 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs12,000Employment, 2025
What earth sciences professors do
Earth sciences professors explain the planet. They teach geology, oceanography, meteorology and planetary science, lead field trips and research cruises, study earthquakes, climate, minerals and storms, analyze data and publish research.
Most hold a Ph.D. Field and lab research often require travel.
Typical duties
- Teach earth science courses
- Lead field trips
- Conduct research
- Analyze field and lab data
- Mentor students
- Write grants
- Publish research
Work environment and schedule
Faculty work in classrooms, labs, field sites and sometimes on ships.
Schedule: Field seasons and research cruises can mean weeks of travel.
A day in the life
- Teach physical geology.
- Identify rock samples with a lab section.
- Process seismic data.
- Plan a field trip.
See a full day in the life of an earth sciences professor →
Earth Sciences Professor salary
Half of earth sciences professors earned more than $103,170 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $59,700 for the lowest 10% to $203,190 for the top 10%.
Full earth sciences professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an earth sciences professor
- Earn a geoscience bachelor’s
- Do research
- Complete a Ph.D.
- Do a postdoc
- Get hired
A Ph.D. in geology, oceanography or atmospheric science is typical for universities.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an earth sciences professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Geology or atmospheric science
- Field methods
- Data analysis
- GIS and modeling
- Research
People skills
- Curiosity
- Leadership
- Communication
- Adaptability
All earth sciences professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Field adventures
- Research on climate and hazards
- Flexible schedule
- Engaged students
Cons
- Few positions
- Field travel demands
- Grant dependence
- Long training
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D. in earth science: Doctoral degree.
- Professional Geologist (PG): State license, valued for applied work.
- Field safety training: Required for trips.
- Research grants: NSF and others.
Career path
- Graduate Researcher: Train.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Associate Professor: Tenure.
- Professor or Chair: Lead departments.
Learn the job before day one
Our Earth Sciences Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as teach rock identification and lead a geology field trip, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Earth Sciences Professor vs. Geoscientist · Earth Sciences Professor vs. Meteorologist · Earth Sciences Professor vs. Geography Professor · Earth Sciences Professor vs. Environmental Science Professor
Earth Sciences Professor FAQ
Do earth science professors do fieldwork?
Many do, sometimes for weeks.
Do they need a Ph.D.?
Usually for universities.
What subjects do they cover?
Geology, oceanography, meteorology and space science.
How much does an earth sciences professor make?
The median annual wage for earth sciences professors was $103,170 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $59,700 and the highest 10% earned more than $203,190.
How long does it take to become an earth sciences professor?
Most people need about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in geology, oceanography or atmospheric science is typical for universities.
Do you need a degree to be an earth sciences professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a Ph.D., while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree and professional experience.
More earth sciences professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1051 (Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.