Career comparison
Earth Sciences Professor vs. Geoscientist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Earth sciences professors earn more at the median ($103,170 vs. $101,920), while geoscientists usually get to work faster (4-year degree plus field camp of training). Earth sciences professors teach geology, oceans, weather and space science at the college level. Geoscientists study the Earth’s rocks, water and processes to find resources and reduce hazards.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Earth Sciences Professor | Geoscientist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $103,170 | $101,920 ($49.00/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $59,700 – $203,190 | $59,330 – $200,230 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.4% (slower than average) | +5.1% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 800 | 1,800 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s | 4-year degree plus field camp |
| Key credential | Ph.D. in earth science | PG license |
| Work setting | Faculty work in classrooms, labs, field sites and sometimes on ships.. | Geoscientists split time between the field and the office.. |
What each job does
Earth Sciences Professor
- Teach earth science courses
- Lead field trips
- Conduct research
- Analyze field and lab data
- Mentor students
Geoscientist
- Map geology
- Collect samples
- Analyze data
- Model groundwater
- Assess hazards
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors, working independently, travel, and problem-solving. They sit in different fields, education & childcare and science, engineering & lab, but share transferable skills such as curiosity and observation.
Which should you choose?
Choose earth sciences professor if…
- I love rocks, oceans or weather
- I enjoy field trips
- I like data
Choose geoscientist if…
- I love rocks and landscapes
- I like fieldwork
- I like data
Still torn? Take the Earth Sciences Professor fit quiz and the Geoscientist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, earth sciences professor or geoscientist?
Earth Sciences Professors earn more at the median: $103,170 versus $101,920 for geoscientists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Geoscientists typically train faster (4-year degree plus field camp) than earth sciences professors (5–7 years after a bachelor’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects geoscientists to grow +5.1% from 2025–35, compared with +2.4% for earth sciences professors.