Science, Engineering & Lab career

Geoscientist

Also called: Geologist · Geophysicist · Hydrogeologist · Petroleum Geologist

What geoscientists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a geoscientist do?

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure and processes, to learn about its past, present and future. The median pay is $101,920 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4-year degree plus field camp, and employment is projected to grow +5.1% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $101,920
    $49.00/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +5.1%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    1,800
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Bachelor's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    4-year degree plus field camp
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    25,400
    Employment, 2025

What geoscientists do

Geoscientists read the Earth. They map rocks, study groundwater, assess earthquake and landslide risk, find minerals, oil and gas, and support environmental cleanup and construction projects.

A bachelor’s degree in geology or geoscience is typical; many have a master’s. BLS projects about average growth.

Typical duties

  • Map geology
  • Collect samples
  • Analyze data
  • Model groundwater
  • Assess hazards
  • Write reports
  • Advise projects

Work environment and schedule

Geoscientists split time between the field and the office.

Schedule: Full time, with field trips that can last days or weeks.

A day in the life

  1. Drive to a drill site.
  2. Log a soil boring.
  3. Collect groundwater samples.
  4. Map outcrops.

See a full day in the life of a geoscientist →

Geoscientist salary

Half of geoscientists earned more than $101,920 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $59,330 for the lowest 10% to $200,230 for the top 10%.

Full geoscientist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a geoscientist

  1. Earn a geology degree
  2. Do internships
  3. Get hired
  4. Pass ASBOG exams
  5. Earn the PG

A bachelor’s degree in geology or geoscience is typical; many have a master’s.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a geoscientist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Geology
  • Field mapping
  • GIS
  • Groundwater modeling
  • Core logging

People skills

  • Observation
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Independence

All geoscientist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fieldwork outdoors
  • Good pay
  • Varied work
  • Environmental impact

Cons

  • Remote fieldwork
  • Weather
  • Energy industry cycles
  • Travel

Certifications and licenses

  • PG license: Professional Geologist (state).
  • ASBOG exams: For PG licensure.
  • HAZWOPER: Environmental sites.
  • Master’s: Common.

Career path

  1. Staff Geologist: Entry.
  2. Project Geologist: Lead projects.
  3. Senior Geologist: Licensed.
  4. Principal: Lead firm work.

Learn the job before day one

Our Geoscientist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as log a soil boring and collect groundwater samples for a site investigation, safety and how to land your first job.

View Geoscientist trainingIs this career right for me?

Geological Technician

Support geologists by collecting samples and data in the field and lab.

  • $53,350
  • 2-year degree plus field training

Mining Engineer

Design safe, efficient mines to extract minerals and metals.

  • $106,220
  • 4-year engineering degree

Geographer

Study places, people and the environment using maps and spatial data.

  • $102,040
  • 4-year degree

Earth Sciences Professor

Teach geology, oceans, weather and space science at the college level.

  • $103,170
  • 5–7 years after a bachelor’s

Compare: Geoscientist vs. Geological Technician · Geoscientist vs. Mining Engineer · Geoscientist vs. Geographer · Geoscientist vs. Earth Sciences Professor

Geoscientist FAQ

Do geologists need a license?

Many states require a PG to sign reports.

Is fieldwork required?

Usually some.

Where do geoscientists work?

Consulting, energy, mining, government and research.

How much does a geoscientist make?

The median annual wage for geoscientists was $101,920 ($49.00 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $59,330 and the highest 10% earned more than $200,230.

How long does it take to become a geoscientist?

Most people need about 4-year degree plus field camp of training. A bachelor’s degree in geology or geoscience is typical; many have a master’s.

Do you need a degree to be a geoscientist?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

More geoscientist questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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