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Job outlook for field geologists in the United States
Field geologist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected field geologist job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 1,200 new jobs for field geologists are projected over the next decade.
Field geologist salaries have increased 4% for field geologists in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,499 field geologists currently employed in the United States.
There are 45,359 active field geologist job openings in the US.
The average field geologist salary is $109,947.
Are field geologist jobs in demand?
Field Geologist job and salary trends over time
Field Geologist jobs over time
Field Geologist job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,499 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 11,217 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 11,744 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 11,768 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 11,470 | 0.00% |
Average field geologist salary over time
Field Geologist salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $109,947 | $52.86 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $108,137 | $51.99 | +1.0% |
| 2023 | $107,068 | $51.48 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $105,564 | $50.75 | +0.1% |
| 2021 | $105,482 | $50.71 | +0.1% |
Field Geologist jobs by state
Most common states for field geologists
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 120 | 16% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 114 | 16% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 141 | 11% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 118 | 11% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 64 | 11% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 653 | 10% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 542 | 10% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 128 | 10% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 63 | 10% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 479 | 9% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 363 | 9% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 673 | 8% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 249 | 8% |
| 14 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 162 | 8% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 76 | 8% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 685 | 7% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 442 | 7% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 224 | 7% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 128 | 7% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 128 | 7% |
Most common cities for field geologists
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lawrenceville | 1 | 3% | $65,634 |
| 2 | Lenexa | 1 | 2% | $70,324 |
| 3 | Sarasota | 1 | 2% | $83,352 |
| 4 | Overland Park | 1 | 1% | $70,434 |
| 5 | Tempe | 1 | 1% | $79,494 |
Field Geologist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of field geologist experts
Colorado School of Mines
Lafayette College
Calvin University
East Carolina University
The University of Texas at El Paso
San Jose State University
East Carolina University
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Ohio State University
Western Oregon University
Michigan State University
University of Nebraska - Omaha
University of Indianapolis
University of North Dakota
Temple University
California State University - Bakersfield
Southern Utah University
Thomas Monecke
Professor in Economic GeologyColorado School of Mines
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Thomas Monecke: Broad understanding of geoscience data and being able to integrate knowledge across fields. Solid geoscience background plus 3D modeling (Leapfrog), ArcGIS, basic mapping skills, core logging experience are critical for everybody in economic geology. Spanish.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Monecke: Networking with industry professionals is the single most important thing to do in exploration geology. The community is small so you want to get to know decision makers. This could involve attending professional meetings (PDAC, RoundUp), being active in the Society of Economic Geologists student chapters, attending local meetings etc. Basically all jobs in this field are given away based on recommendations and relationships.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Thomas Monecke: Want to do a professional master or master of science. It probably makes sense to gain 1-2 years work experience (or extended internships) after the bachelor, but want to come back for these degrees. They basically are the entry level degrees to become a more senior person in most companies. Its not common for senior people in smaller companies to have a PhD, but not uncommon in the big mining companies. I would, however, not recommend to go straight to a PhD without any work experience as there are fewer jobs. MS (with some internships) vs. PhD (with no real work experience) is not a big difference in salary, but 4+ years difference in education plus potentially debt from long grad school attendance. Makes more sense to do a MS, work and come back for a PhD, commonly with a company supporting the PhD research.
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
John Sarao Jr.: Networking at conferences or local and state-level geology working groups is always a good way to make yourself known to potential companies. Obtaining skills and certifications, like the Professional Geologist (PG) certificate can always help boost your potential. I think the final way is projecting what the needs are going to be when you're ready to enter the workforce. Currently in geology the industry side of things is heavily leaning toward carbon capture and sequestration. If you can set yourself up to enter that field (which will most likely require advanced degrees), you'll be set for a long, lucrative career. The climate crisis is at the forefront of geology at the moment.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Sarao Jr.: I think Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will always be a marketable skill on any resume. Data science (machine learning and data analytics) is also a skill that needs to be talked about. The sheer size of geological datasets makes data management skills increasingly important and appealing to companies looking to hire new recruits.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
John Sarao Jr.: I would say go into your new career with an open mind, you've learned the basics in undergrad but there's always more to learn. Find someone either in your company or in your field that has the career you aspire to or expertise you think can help you advance and ask if they're open and available to mentor you in either an official capacity or just weekly/monthly coffee chats. So many people would love to tell you about their experiences. You're going to make mistakes, but remember that someone else has made that same mistake before you and has lived through it. Also remember that you have a life outside of work. Some of these field-intensive geology careers can be insanely time-consuming. If you set the precedent that you are available 24 hours a day it's very hard to walk that back in the future. Work-life balance is essential.
Melinda Higley PhD
Assistant Professor of GeologyCalvin University
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Melinda Higley PhD: A master’s degree is a common expectation in geoscience careers. If you choose to enter the field with a bachelors, the sooner you start in a field, the better. More years of experience will help you advance to higher levels of responsibility and pay. Students and early career professionals should participate in research, attend conferences, field trips, and get internships to gain a sense for a range of opportunities. This will help you to focus on applying for jobs in a sector where you see yourself thriving. However, don’t be afraid to test out different fields as you learn and grow.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Melinda Higley PhD: A day in the life of a geologist will vary depending on the occupation, but it is common to locate and interpret maps, conduct literature reviews, perform data collection, data entry, data analysis, and write grants and reports. In an entry level position, it is common to spend 20 – 60 % of your time in the field. Geologists have transferable skills that can be the gateway to a variety of occupations. Daily, they are doing problem-solving, analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and writing usually in a setting that requires leadership, teamwork, listening, creativity, relationship building, and attention to detail.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Melinda Higley PhD: Geoscientists are employed across the workforce including research, industry, government, academia, and nonprofit sectors. A geoscientist must master the technical aspects of the field but simultaneously develop interests and skills. Think about your technical knowledge, your interests, and skills and how they might be integrated to form a strong portfolio. Recognize that your skills are transferable across different fields.
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Dr. Timothy Masterlark JSF: Geologists collect laboratory, field, or satellite data and use math, physics, and chemistry to interpret these data. Numerical modeling and computational methods are front-and-center to these investigations and provide the necessary quantitative understanding of Geological systems and the associated uncertainties.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Timothy Masterlark JSF: Geology is central to the major challenges of our time: Critical Resources, the Energy Transition, and the Great Competition. All of the resources we need come from the Earth System and the acquisition and use of these resources require a balanced responsibility for sustainability. Successful policies related to resources and sustainability require a solid foundation in the physical science of Geology. The past several years provide numerous examples of misguided or ill-conceived local, national, and global initiatives that were based on popular culture and feelings, rather than physical science.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Timothy Masterlark JSF: Likes: Although a cliché, the world is our laboratory. Geologists investigate our world from the very small through the very large in both space and time. These studies span nuclear particles and minute fractions of a second to vast planetary systems and the age of the universe. The vast majority of our observations are limited to our perspectives as residents of the Earth’s surface over brief moments of time. While these limitations can be frustrating, the challenge of extending our understanding beyond these limitations can be remarkably satisfying. Dislikes: Much of classical Geology is rooted in classification of rocks and fossils. Aspiring students of Geology all too often express an interest in Geology because of childhood hobbies of rock or fossil collecting. Unfortunately, these stereotypes are amplified in popular culture. However, modern Geology is a physical science that is underpinned by mathematics. This realization is a painful process for students who came to the field of Geology with a misguided understanding of expectations.
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
David Mallinson PhD: This gets back to question 1. Take your initial licensure exam to become a Geologist in Training, and work toward becoming a licensed professional geologist. Make sure you have plenty of skills (lab and field work skills) and strong writing skills. As an undergraduate, make sure to take advantage of any opportunities to do research with a professor or do an internship with a company. Experience like that will go a long way to landing you a good job or setting you up for graduate school if you decide to go that route.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Mallinson PhD: Be sure to take the licensure exam to become a Geologist in Training. This is the first step to becoming a licensed professional geologist. You can do this even before you graduate. Do it soon before you begin to forget the basics. Have a good idea of where you want to be in 5 years or so and keep your goal in mind as you pursue opportunities. That said, your goals may change so it’s great to be flexible and open to opportunities and able take advantage of work experiences and training that will serve you well in the future. Take advantage of your professors for advice and make sure to stay on their good side so you can get great letters of reference from them.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
David Mallinson PhD: We’re seeing many of our graduates going into the field of hydrogeology. Take hydrology/hydrogeology courses that provide hands-on experience in the field and laboratory. Some universities (ECU for example) offer certificates in various disciplines that will help (e.g., Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Geographic Information Science, etc.). Take advantage of those. GIS is a must in geological work these days and is in high demand in the job market. Get some fundamental background in geochemistry and geophysics. Some of our students are getting work in coastal settings with consulting firms doing geophysical surveys on land and water (with the acceleration of erosion, emplacement of offshore wind turbines, coastal construction, etc.) so some background knowledge in geophysical survey methods (seismic, sonar, GPR, etc.) can help. There’s increasing emphasis on mineral exploration to meet the demand for green energy and high-tech electronics (Li, Cd, REEs, etc.) so an understanding of economic geology combined with a good mineralogy and petrology background, field mapping and sampling, and GIS can help here.
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Jason Ricketts: For any student, I think that having a polished resume when they graduate is key. This takes a lot of work, and includes making the extra effort to volunteer, or participate in research, or attend conferences. Having extra achievements or experience in your resume might give you leverage to request a slightly higher staring salary. Once you secure a job in your field, show initiative by making an effort to work in interdisciplinary teams, learning new skillsets, and continue to practice oral and written communication skills. These could lead to an increase in salary.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jason Ricketts: Be open to learning new skills and techniques even after you graduate. Current practices and skillsets are changing fast, and staying up to date is sometimes challenging. But if you can continue to grow your skillset and expertise, then you will be at the forefront and be able to address Geology problems that are relevant to society.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Jason Ricketts: Most Geology programs excel at teaching scientific knowledge, and students graduate with a core knowledge of fundamental Earth processes. One thing that also needs to be emphasized is the importance of teamwork, working in interdisciplinary teams, and communication skills (both written and oral). Developing these skills will give you an edge after you graduate.
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Joseph Petsche: The first thing I would recommend is to get a Master's Degree if you don't have one already. It opens *so many* more career opportunities compared with those available to graduates who enter the job market after earning just a Bachelor's Degree. Furthemore, by completing a master's thesis, you gain skills and experience such as writing grant proposals, articles and abstracts, conducting fieldwork, and learning current and upcoming technology used in the field and the lab. It's also a good way to make connections and learn more about the variety of job options out there.
Take a little bit of time to learn about and explore career options. Think about what you want your typical day to be like; would you prefer to work with lab equipment and computers, or out in the field, or both? You will have lots of options to choose from, including working for private firms (such as those that hire scientists to assess the strength of the soil beneath where a new structure is being built, or determine the best way to prevent mudslides from destroying homes and infrastructure, or figuring out how to remediate an environmental hazard), the public sector (such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) or any of the various State Geological Surveys), education (especially at the college level), public outreach, and helping to guide government policy.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Petsche: You will likely make more money with a Master's Degree than a Bachelor's, but it depends on the field. Be aware of what other scientists are making at their jobs, and which fields pay more than others if that's important to you. Jobs in mineral exploration, mining, and fossil fuels tend to pay more than jobs in education and consulting firms. In many jobs, you have to become certified and licensed at some point so you can continue to climb the ladder to higher positions and salaries. Make sure you have a variety of skills and are willing to put up with a lousy job in the short term so that you can gain opportunities for long-term success.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Joseph Petsche: There is going to be an increasing demand for skills relating to space exploration and mining. A background in math, remote sensing, engineering, chemistry and planetary geology will be needed more and more in the field of space exploration, and it's likely that humans will start mining asteroids and the Moon for Rare-Earth Elements in the near future. These materials are in high demand because they are commonly used in electric vehicles, cell phones, batteries, and many other important technologies.
Adriana Heimann-Rios PhD
Associate ProfessorEast Carolina University
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Adriana Heimann-Rios PhD: I think that core geology skills will continue to be critical and needed, including geologic mapping, mineral and rock identification, geochemistry, structural geology, economic geology, and hydrogeology. As the need for metals, particularly critical minerals for the energy transition, continues to exponentially grow with the need for energy storage devices, turbines, and highly technological applications, the need for well-trained geologists will continue to grow. In addition to also having a good chemistry and math background, knowledge in data analysis or data science, programming or software use, GIS, and the growing applications in the field of machine learning will be very useful. In addition, working in multi-disciplinary teams and knowing how to work jointly with communities facing environmental challenges will be critical. Studies to understand and find solutions for water quality will continue to be a pressing need.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adriana Heimann-Rios PhD: To a Geology graduate starting their career I would strongly recommend continuing their education and obtaining a Master’s degree in their favorite area of specialization or doing a post-baccalaureate or bridge program to figure out what they want to do and what options exist. Both will open many windows of opportunities in different fields. Alternatively, I recommend finding a job or an internship, as there are many starting jobs in environmental and geotechnical aspects working for engineering geology/geological engineering/environmental geoscience companies, museums, and geological surveys.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Adriana Heimann-Rios PhD: Be the best you can be, learn how to work well with people, have those “soft skills”, distinguish yourself by taking courses or seminars in your areas of interest, continue learning. A Master’s degree, or a PhD, will for sure help obtaining a well-paid job.
Dr. David Barbeau Jr.
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Dr. David Barbeau Jr.: I love geology because it is a dynamic and diverse field that is the foundation upon which all realms of society are built. From physical geography to food, from human history to economies, geology plays an influential role in everything. Geology requires and develops critical thinking, and involves solving puzzles, and generating new knowledge, hence is a very enjoyable pursuit.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. David Barbeau Jr.: There are a wide range of employment opportunities for geoscientists, therefore actual job activities will vary considerably by job. Some geoscientists work in the field, making geologic maps, collecting samples, conducting subsurface analyses using geophysics and drill cores, assisting with engineering projects, or monitoring groundwater wells. Other geoscientists work in geochemistry, mineralogy and related laboratories, analyzing the composition of rocks and minerals and other geologic materials to understand their origins, history, and age. Finally, other geoscientists work in offices, compiling, analyzing, interpreting, and modeling large volumes of geological, geochemical and/or geophysical data. These efforts and the careers associated with them involve a wide range of sectors, including research universities; local, state and federal agencies; extractive industries; environmental monitoring and remediation firms; and geotechnical and engineering firms. Early career geoscientists spend much of their time using the geological fundamentals learned in college to learn and practice job-specific skills on the job.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. David Barbeau Jr.: Nearly all solutions to the impending climate and energy crises require understanding and innovation in the realms of geosciences. For example, an understanding of geology and geologic processes are essential to the locating and the safe, efficient extraction of critical minerals for the transition to renewable energy, as well as the capture, removal and storage of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the growth of human populations will require increasing amounts of natural resources, and the production of those natural resources will impact the environment in greater and greater ways -- a sound understanding of geology is essential to minimizing these impacts. Because of these very important and rapidly growing needs, a career in the geosciences could be beneficial, both in terms of demand, and as a meaningful career with real societal impacts.
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Loren Babcock PhD: It depends on the type of geologic job. There is quite of variety of occupations that involve geology, not all of which have “geology” in the title. Some who are employed in private industry mine for rock or minerals, some drill for fluid resources; others are employed in searching for new Earth resources and developing plans for mining or drilling for them. Some geologists work with water resources: sampling, testing, or exploiting. Some geologists in government or service professions compile information about geologic resources or conduct research. Some geologists track earthquakes, track volcanoes, study rocks brought from the Moon, or ones that fell to Earth as meteorites. Some geologists study rock layers to refine the chronology of Earth history. Others study climate change and its effects on Earth’s landforms and life forms. There are many, many options open to geologists.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Loren Babcock PhD: Geologic work forms much of the foundation for the global economy. Almost everything we use, and some of what we eat, has come from the Earth. If it was not grown, it had to be mined. Geologists are responsible for producing most of the basic resources that we use every day. Some of these resources are scarce, and it requires the work of geologists to explore for new sources, and to responsibly exploit them. Geologists also are needed to ensure that our environment remains safe for habitation, and where resources have been removed, to ensure that the land will be reclaimed. In general, professional jobs in geology are well compensated.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Loren Babcock PhD: Perhaps the most interesting thing about being a geologist is that your work ties directly into the lives of all people. Every day we interact with our natural world, and we use objects derived or manufactured from Earth materials. Geology is an incredibly interdisciplinary science- it overlaps with all the other natural sciences, with math, and with computing. For many, that is part of the reason they like geology, because there is so much to discover; but for others, that interdisciplinary nature might present challenges, since there is so much to know.
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Dr. Jeffrey Templeton Ph.D.: As the global economy continues to shift to one requiring workers to increasingly develop proficiencies in computer-based technology and problem-solving skills, students should strive to gain Geographic Information Science experience through their undergraduate coursework.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jeffrey Templeton Ph.D.: Students and recent graduates should begin the process of professional licensure as Geologists-in-Training by sitting for nationally recognized ASBOG Fundamental Geology exam, under the auspices of the National Association of State Boards of Geology. Successful exam completion and work experience allows recent graduates to become professionally licensed geologists in over 30 states across the U.S.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jeffrey Templeton Ph.D.: Essential geoscience workforce skills include scientific observation, data analysis, visualization, communication, teamwork, and project management. For geoscientists, depending on the specific field, these may include skills such as field observation, data recording, field surveying, geospatial technology application, data entry and tabulation, graphing and mapping, and report preparation.
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
J. Anthony Sauder PE, PG (he/him): New graduates without field experience in geology should welcome the opportunity to get as varied an experience as possible. Ultimately, you will be able to manage projects with a team of scientists, and the field experience will go a long way towards guiding those projects and team members efficiently and effectively. If the graduate doesn't have a master's degree, they should probably pursue a masters in those early years. Between the experience and additional education, they can take the exam for licensure as a professional geologist, which is an important credential in the states that require or recognize licensure
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
J. Anthony Sauder PE, PG (he/him): Take what you have learned and apply it at every opportunity. Once you have demonstrated your competence and expertise, you will be sought out to assist with complex problems and projects. You should always be learning on the job and taking webinars and courses when you can. A master's degree and professional license will both significantly improve your salary potential.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
J. Anthony Sauder PE, PG (he/him): Geologists are uniquely situated to understand and address challenges due to climate change. Geologists, engineers and policy makers need to work as a team to adapt the lived environment and build community resilience to flooding, water scarcity, land subsidence, sea level rise and geologic hazards. Geologists are also trained in GIS and interpreting remote sensing to evaluate changes in land use, watershed restoration and even reviewing historic environmental justice concerns. With data analysis and these tools, they can assist with developing sustainable solutions to remediate previous harms to the environment and quality of life.
Dr. Jeffrey Freymueller
Endowed Chair for Geology of the Solid EarthMichigan State University
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Dr. Jeffrey Freymueller: People love a lot of things about the profession. Often, they love the outdoors and understanding the landscape and how it came to be. But we also have people who work with large remote sensing or geophysical data sets, and really love extracting information and understanding from large data sets. There is something for everyone in the geosciences.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jeffrey Freymueller: A lot of our students with Bachelor's degrees end up working for environmental firms, often doing environmental assessment and cleanup. In a place with a bigger oil industry, graduates with Bachelor's degrees may be assessing rock cuttings from wells or core samples. But someone with a PhD might be doing computer models using large data sets.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jeffrey Freymueller: There has been a decline in the number of geoscience students over the last decade or so, but NOT a decline in the number of geoscience jobs. In fact, in some sectors there is very much an aging workforce and not enough new graduates to replace the existing workforce.
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
David Becker P.G.: I would pass along three tidbits of wisdom: 1) don't be afraid to tackle tasks that require you to expand your geologic knowledge, as you only just start learning in college; 2) become comfortable in speaking in the presence of others, as being well-spoken catches the eye of management and lets you be a leader among your peers; and 3) embrace new technology relevant to your geologic practice, and watch for new technologies developed in other geologic fields that could have applicability in your work.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Becker P.G.: Undoubtedly, the skills in applying technology are the most important, notably integration of artificial intelligence into geologic data analysis and, for some fields, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for data collection.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
David Becker P.G.: Advancement potential, obviously related to salary, can depend on your strengths. Advancement can come from the effective application of technical skills, so having and constantly developing the right geologic and technology knowledge base the employer needs and the ability to apply this cost-effectively (on time and in budget) pays dividends. Additionally, the abilities to communicate, organize, strategize, and coordinate are strengths that can lead to better-paying management positions, so taking advantage of opportunities to demonstrate these talents will also help you stand out when the chances come for promotion.
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Leah Courtland: Communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to work in a team are critical. Geologists tackle real world problems so it's important to be able to consider multiple moving parts and to employ systems thinking to address challenges.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Leah Courtland: Earning an MS degree can drastically increase salary potential. Changing companies can also often result in a pay increase, so don't be afraid to look around even if you've been with the same company for a number of years.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Leah Courtland: Search broadly: there are jobs out there that you don't even know exist that might be perfect for you. And if your first job isn't a great fit, keep looking. Sometimes it's not until after you've gained some entry level experience that you'll be qualified for the position you really want.
Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat
ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat: Geologic information (a.k.a., geoinformatics) is becoming increasingly important in the digital age, and defining how geologic data and information are represented is still a work in progress. A background in technology, whether this involves geographic information systems, analytical skills, and/or data management, is a great asset and can be developed in many career sectors.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat: Find a position in which your skills as a geologist will be maximized and include some learning opportunities. Have a set of career goals in mind and make sure these include opportunities to continue learning about how the Earth works. Keeping the curiosity you had as a college student is a great way to help define a career path and sustain genuine interest in your work.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat: Young professionals should understand that the demand for geologists is great and that employers are looking for a diverse set of skills, which can be difficult to represent on a resume or a typical job application. Keep a portfolio with writing samples, research or project outcomes, conference presentations, or other products that can demonstrate your experience and abilities as a professional geologist.
Jaakko Putkonen Ph.D
ProfessorUniversity of North Dakota
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What general advice would you give to a Field Geologist?
Jaakko Putkonen Ph.D: It is good to start you career with a BS degree and gain hands on experience. However, those with Master's degree tend to earn the most.
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jaakko Putkonen Ph.D: Field skills are always valued, but data science and AI will become more prevalent in the future.
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Jaakko Putkonen Ph.D: Geology degree is valued in many fields. Many graduates spend some time in entry level jobs to gain more experience and find the job they really love. Networking is the best way to find a job, seek out the alumni of your University or Department.
Ilya Buynevich Ph.D.
Associate Professor | Undergraduate Advisor - GeologyTemple University
Computer Programming
What will help Field Geologists increase their earning potential?
Ilya Buynevich Ph.D.: consider getting a degree in a solid science major - geology, rather than environmental science/studies. upon graduation, strive to get as much hands-in experience as possible by being proactive and by relying on a network of alumni from your department who were successful at securing a position that fits your interests and skills.
Anthony Rathburn
ProfessorCalifornia State University - Bakersfield
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What Field Geologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Anthony Rathburn: In relevant surveys, 'Geologist' consistently ranks very high (as high as second) of the 100 perceived best occupations, and in the top 10 for job satisfaction. This is likely due, in part, to the variety of tasks that geoscientists often do within their job. The challenges of applying knowledge and skills to solve earth science-related problems, the satisfaction of having positive impacts for communities, field work, travel potential, high pay potential, and conducting work to understand particular aspects of the natural world are also among the likely reasons for high job satisfaction for geologists.
Jason Kaiser Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Geology, Department Chair - GeosciencesSouthern Utah University
Geoscience Department
What skills stand out on Field Geologist resumes?
Jason Kaiser Ph.D.: Resumes are as diverse as the career paths within the Geosciences. Those entering the field for the first time may be applying to a variety of different jobs, each with distinct requirements. Important skills that stand out are those related to communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Employers are looking for young scientists who can work in teams to solve complex problems and effectively communicate those solutions. Providing evidence of these skills is crucial on any resume. I often advise students to illustrate these skills by highlighting research experience on their resumes. This tactic was especially successful when that research experience was a part of a team and was presented at some professional venue like a geologic conference.
What soft skills should all Field Geologists possess?
Jason Kaiser Ph.D.: As with the previous answer, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills are vital. As with any scientist, a geologist should be a good learner. We train our students to be good researchers. With such a diversity in career options for students, we can only provide the foundation in our classes. Students must develop solid research skills to be able to add to their base knowledge areas and progress in their chosen field within the Geosciences.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Field Geologists?
Jason Kaiser Ph.D.: Geology is a diverse discipline with a large variety of career paths. Important technical skills in one field of study may be irrelevant in another. For example, analyzing mineral compositions is crucial in a mine but is of little interest to a geologist trying to determine the extent of a flood plain along a reach of a river. With such a diversity of career paths and technical skills, we focus on foundational knowledge and technical skills in a number of key areas like rock/mineral identification and classification, rock mechanics and deformation characteristics, sediment transport and deposition, and surface/groundwater characteristics. We also provide training in geospatial technologies that pull multiple knowledge areas together. Our goal at SUU is to create a well-rounded scientist that would be a productive staff geologist in any number of careers.
What skills will help Field Geologists earn the most?
Jason Kaiser Ph.D.: I think many of the skills that I discussed in previous answers apply here as well. The key thing to understand is that any student, with any combination of these skills (both technical and non-technical skills), can be successful in the Geosciences. The field has incredibly diverse career paths and is in desperate need of young scientists with diverse skills and backgrounds to match.