Geoscientist
Study the Earth’s rocks, water and processes to find resources and reduce hazards.
- $101,920
- 4-year degree plus field camp
Energy & Utilities career
Geological Technician
Also called: Geotechnician · Mud Logger · Core Technician · Hydrologic Field Technician
What geological technicians 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 a geological technician do?
Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians, assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration and production activities. The median pay is $53,350 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2-year degree plus field training, and employment is projected to grow +3.6% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$53,350$25.65/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.6%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year1,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2-year degree plus field trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs7,300Employment, 2025
What geological technicians do
Geological technicians gather Earth data. They log drill cores, run mud logging on rigs, collect soil and rock samples, run lab tests, operate field instruments and manage data for mining, energy and environmental projects.
An associate degree is typical. BLS projects about average growth.
Typical duties
- Log drill cores
- Run mud logging
- Collect samples
- Run lab tests
- Operate field instruments
- Manage data
- Support geologists
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work at rigs, mines, field sites and labs.
Schedule: Rotations and shifts are common in field roles.
A day in the life
- Shift change at the rig.
- Catch cuttings samples.
- Describe cuttings under a microscope.
- Monitor gas readings.
See a full day in the life of a geological technician →
Geological Technician salary
Half of geological technicians earned more than $53,350 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,770 for the lowest 10% to $99,560 for the top 10%.
Full geological technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a geological technician
- Earn an associate degree
- Do field work
- Get hired
- Learn logging
- Advance
An associate degree in geology or a related field is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a geological technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Core logging
- Mud logging
- Sample collection
- Lab testing
- GPS and GIS
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Independence
- Stamina
- Communication
All geological technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two-year path
- Field adventure
- Good pay with rotations
- Earth science work
Cons
- Remote rotations
- Weather
- Industry cycles
- Long shifts
Certifications and licenses
- MSHA training: At mines.
- H2S awareness: Rigs.
- HAZWOPER: Environmental sites.
- First aid: Required in the field.
Career path
- Field Technician: Entry.
- Geological Technician: Log.
- Senior Technician: Lead.
- Geologist: With a degree.
Learn the job before day one
Our Geological Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as log a drill core and describe drill cuttings, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Geological Technician vs. Geoscientist · Geological Technician vs. Environmental Technician · Geological Technician vs. Petroleum Engineer · Geological Technician vs. Roustabout
Geological Technician FAQ
Do I need a degree?
An associate degree is typical.
Are rotations common?
In energy and mining, yes.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
How much does a geological technician make?
The median annual wage for geological technicians was $53,350 ($25.65 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,770 and the highest 10% earned more than $99,560.
How long does it take to become a geological technician?
Most people need about 2-year degree plus field training of training. An associate degree in geology or a related field is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a geological technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More geological technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-4043 (Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians (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.