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What is a field geologist and how to become one
If you've always been enamored with studying natural disasters and the Earth's structure, becoming a field geologist may be the right path for you. As a field geologist, your duty is to study the composition of the Earth's crust, various earth processes (earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, etc.), and the changes that the Earth undergoes over time.
In addition, you will also be responsible for collecting samples from the Earth, mapping rock formations, studying natural disasters, interpreting data, and preparing presentations to share with other professionals and the public.
The ideal degree for this career is a bachelor's or master's degree in geology. However, you may still qualify if your background is in environmental science or geography. Aside from education, having prior working experience can increase your chances of job placement as well as your earning potential in the field.
As a field geologist, you can expect to travel frequently to visit various sites in the country or abroad. You may also have to traverse perilous destinations and exert lots of physical effort to collect samples, gather data, and observe natural phenomena. Nevertheless, the compensation is fair at an average of $92,000 per year.
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Nelson Ham Ph.D.
Professor of Geology and Environmental Science, St. Norbert College
Avg. Salary $109,947
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 5%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.59%
Asian 5.47%
Black or African American 0.88%
Hispanic or Latino 6.30%
Unknown 4.68%
White 82.08%
Genderfemale 18.83%
male 81.17%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Field Geologist career paths
Key steps to become a field geologist
Explore field geologist education requirements
Start to develop specific field geologist skills
Skills 
Percentages Data Collection 11.15% Geotechnical 9.26% Well Design 6.91% Site Assessments 6.18% Water Samples 6.15% Complete relevant field geologist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New field geologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a field geologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real field geologist resumes.Research field geologist duties and responsibilities
- Establish an LLC and learned the fundamentals of running and managing a small business.
- Prepare maps by positioning and plotting GPS points from localities find onto current geological maps.
- Collect soil and rock samples and classify according to ASTM national guidelines.
- Rely upon to handle geological rock samples classification and description with ASTM standards.
Prepare your field geologist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your field geologist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a field geologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Field Geologist Resume templates
Build a professional Field Geologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Field Geologist resume.
Apply for field geologist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a field geologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Field Geologist Job
Are you a Field Geologist?
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Average field geologist salary
The average Field Geologist salary in the United States is $109,947 per year or $53 per hour. Field geologist salaries range between $65,000 and $185,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do field geologists rate their job?
Field Geologist reviews
I do the same job every day but I never get the same results twice. each minute, hour, day everything changes. we drill thru different formations all the time. But we drill the same stuff from well to well.
There is a constant chance of someone making a big mistake and causing a blow out that hurts or kills others.
Understanding the earth and finding solution to problems caused by humans.
Hard to find a job.
not much.
Inconsistent working schedule, have to fight for billable work against other geologists within my company, insanely long hours, travel to mostly unsafe areas.
Updated January 8, 2025
