All careers › Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Geoscientist: pay, job outlook and how to become one
- $59,330lowest 10% earn less
- $75,11025th percentile
- $101,920median
- $139,38075th percentile
- $200,230top 10% earn more
The median geoscientist earned $101,920 a year in May 2025[1]. A bachelor's degree is the typical way in, and many geoscience jobs also involve state licensing[2][3].
How much do geoscientists make?
The median wage for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers was $101,920 a year, or $49.00 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The mean (average) was $116,150 a year, or $55.84 an hour[8]. The median for all occupations was $50,980[5].
The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $59,330 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $200,230[4]. BLS says a percentile wage is a boundary and that it does not publish a starting salary[9].
| Annual wage point | Amount |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile[4] | $59,330 |
| 25th percentile[4] | $75,110 |
| Median[1] | $101,920 |
| 75th percentile[4] | $139,380 |
| 90th percentile[4] | $200,230 |
By the hour, the 10th percentile was $28.52 and the 90th was $96.26[10]. These figures cover wage and salary workers only. They leave out the self-employed and the cost of benefits[11]. About 4.9% of geoscientists were self-employed in 2025[12].
Pay by state and city
Texas had the highest state median at $145,220, followed by Rhode Island at $121,010 and Oklahoma at $119,990[13]. Connecticut was last in the list at $61,810[13].
Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Midland, TX came first at $219,140, then Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX at $174,490 and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $136,120[14].
The most jobs were in Texas (4,900), California (3,350) and Colorado (1,480)[15]. Among metros, Houston had the most jobs at 2,380, followed by Denver-Aurora-Centennial at 1,020[16].
Show median pay in 50 states
| State | Median per year | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Texas[13] | $145,220 | 4,900 |
| Rhode Island | $121,010 | n/a |
| Oklahoma | $119,990 | 770 |
| Colorado | $114,410 | 1,480 |
| Mississippi | $112,400 | 250 |
| Maryland | $110,510 | 390 |
| Massachusetts | $108,210 | 420 |
| Alaska | $107,410 | 430 |
| California | $106,500 | 3,350 |
| Hawaii | $106,270 | 110 |
| Washington | $105,020 | 840 |
| New Hampshire | $101,150 | n/a |
| Nevada | $99,890 | 520 |
| Oregon | $98,110 | 380 |
| Illinois | $96,950 | 410 |
| North Carolina | $95,260 | 570 |
| Florida | $95,140 | 660 |
| Delaware | $93,640 | 110 |
| Louisiana | $91,560 | 440 |
| Idaho | $91,170 | 130 |
| Utah | $89,990 | 300 |
| Alabama | $88,610 | 110 |
| New Mexico | $88,530 | 160 |
| New Jersey | $88,500 | 300 |
| Virginia | $88,390 | 300 |
| Vermont | $87,070 | n/a |
| Maine | $86,840 | 70 |
| New York | $86,410 | 600 |
| South Carolina | $86,070 | 230 |
| Nebraska | $85,550 | 110 |
| Arizona | $85,190 | 550 |
| Pennsylvania | $84,180 | 910 |
| North Dakota | $84,070 | 100 |
| Missouri | $83,390 | 260 |
| Ohio | $81,220 | 410 |
| Michigan | $80,990 | 320 |
| Minnesota | $80,540 | 240 |
| Kansas | $80,080 | 190 |
| Wisconsin | $78,610 | 110 |
| Tennessee | $77,870 | 230 |
| Kentucky | $77,510 | 170 |
| West Virginia | $76,060 | 90 |
| Montana | $75,520 | 210 |
| Wyoming | $74,910 | 220 |
| Iowa | $74,460 | 40 |
| Georgia | $73,920 | 340 |
| South Dakota | $71,150 | 80 |
| Indiana | $68,240 | 270 |
| Arkansas | $67,880 | 70 |
| Connecticut | $61,810 | n/a |
How to become a geoscientist
- First: earn a bachelor's degree. BLS lists it as the typical entry education, with no work experience or on-the-job training required[2]. The Occupational Outlook Handbook points to geoscience or a nearby science field, such as physical science or natural resources[17].
- Next: look for hands-on experience. Programs usually include geology fieldwork, and students may take internships working under a senior geoscientist[18].
- Then: consider a graduate degree. Some employers prefer a master's or doctoral degree[19]. A graduate degree may help candidates compete for certain entry-level jobs or for advancement[20].
- Finally: check licensing. Most states require licenses for geologists who offer services to the public, such as work tied to civil engineering projects or environmental protection[3]. Rules vary by state, and applicants typically need to meet education and experience minimums and pass an exam[21]. Your state licensing board can give the details[22].
In an O*NET survey of 27 workers, 48% said a bachelor's degree was required, 37% said a master's degree and 7% said a doctoral degree[23]. The survey is small, so treat it as a snapshot.
What geoscientists do
O*NET says geoscientists study the composition, structure and physical aspects of the Earth, and may look for oil, gas, minerals or underground water[24]. Common tasks include:
- Reading research articles and technical reports[25].
- Planning or carrying out field studies, sample collection and drilling or testing programs[25].
- Making geological maps, diagrams and reports for uses such as land use or resource management[25].
- Analyzing geological data with computer software[25].
- Interpreting well logs, survey data and aerial photos[25].
- Estimating where gas, oil, ore or water deposits may be[25].
- Sharing findings through papers, conferences or teaching[25].
Sample job titles include Geologist, Petroleum Geologist and Engineering Geologist[26]. BLS also notes that the work calls for clear communication and critical thinking, and that fieldwork can demand outdoor comfort and physical stamina[27][28][29][30].
Where they work
Geoscientists usually split their time among the field, laboratories and offices[31]. Fieldwork can mean frequent time outdoors and travel, sometimes to remote places for long periods[31]. They may work on teams with other scientists and engineers, for example with petroleum engineers in resource extraction[32]. Architectural, engineering and related services was the largest employer group at 27%[33].
Full time is the usual schedule, and some geoscientists work more than 40 hours in a week[34]. Fieldwork can bring irregular hours[34]. Long trips away from home may be stressful[35].
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 5.1% from 2025 to 2035, adding about 1,300 jobs[6]. Employment across all occupations is projected to grow 3.5%[36]. This is a small occupation, with about 23,470 wage and salary jobs in May 2025[37].
BLS expects about 1,800 openings a year on average[7]. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or change occupations, not only new jobs[7]. Each year, 1.7% of workers leave the labor force and 4.8% move to a different occupation[38].
Is it a good fit?
Pay is well above the all-occupations median, and the typical entry route is a bachelor's degree with no required work experience[1][5][2]. The field is small, so openings are few in number, at about 1,800 a year[7]. Pay depends on place, and state medians run from $61,810 to $145,220[13]. The facts suggest it may suit people who are comfortable with fieldwork and travel and ready to deal with state licensing[3][29][31].
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a geoscientist make an hour?
- The median was $49.00 an hour in May 2025, and the mean was $55.84[1][8].
- What degree do you need to be a geoscientist?
- BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry education. Some employers prefer a master's or doctoral degree[2][19].
- Do geoscientists need a license?
- In most states, geologists who offer their services to the public need a license. Requirements vary by state[3][21].
- What is the highest paying state for geoscientists?
- Texas had the highest median at $145,220, then Rhode Island at $121,010[13].
Facts and sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in the US was $101,920 per year and $49.00 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers: 10th percentile $59,330, 25th percentile $75,110, 75th percentile $139,380, 90th percentile $200,230. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: employment of Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers is projected to grow 5.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 25,400 to 26,700 jobs (a change of +1,300). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections: about 1,800 openings for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers was $116,150 per year and $55.84 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers: 10th percentile $28.52, 25th percentile $36.11, 75th percentile $67.01, 90th percentile $96.26. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: 4.9% of Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
- Median annual wage for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (areas with at least 100 jobs): Midland, TX $219,140; Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX $174,490; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $136,120; Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $132,780; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $132,620; New Orleans-Metairie, LA $125,570; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $122,310; Gulfport-Biloxi, MS $122,100. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers jobs: Texas 4,900; California 3,350; Colorado 1,480; Pennsylvania 910; Washington 840. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers jobs: Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 2,380 (median $174,490); Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO 1,020 (median $120,480); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 810 (median $94,660); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 610 (median $132,780); Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 540 (median $107,800); Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX 490 (median $92,930). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET 19-2042.00 survey of workers (27 respondents), education level they say is required: Bachelor's Degree 48%, Master's Degree 37%, Doctoral Degree 7% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
- O*NET description of Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET task list for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET 19-2042.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Engineering Geologist, Environmental Protection Geologist, Exploration Geologist, Geologist, Geoscientist, Mine Geologist, Petroleum Geologist, Project Geologist. O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of geoscientists in 2025: Architectural, engineering, and related services 27%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 23,470 people were employed as Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers: 1.7% of workers leave the labor force each year and 4.8% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
- Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.