Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

SOC code 19-2042 · O*NET-SOC 19-2042.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$101,920

a year

Hourly

$49.00

per hour

10th$59,330Median$101,92090th$200,230

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$116,150

$55.84 per hour

Middle 50%

$75,110 – $139,380

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$59,330 – $200,230

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

23,470

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $59,330; $28.52/hr
25th percentile: $75,110; $36.11/hr
Median percentile: $101,920; $49.00/hr
75th percentile: $139,380; $67.01/hr
90th percentile: $200,230; $96.26/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+3%

Growing about as fast as average

25,100

jobs in 2024

26,000

projected for 2034

About 900 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers do?

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 48% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree48%
Master's Degree37%
Doctoral Degree7%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate4%

Common questions

How much does a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers earn?

The national median is $101,920 a year. The full range runs from $59,330 at the 10th percentile to $200,230 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 3% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.3/5
Science4.3/5
Writing4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Active Learning3.4/5

Knowledge areas

Geography4.2/5
Mathematics4.1/5
Chemistry4.0/5
Physics3.9/5
English Language3.9/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Engineering and Technology3.5/5
Education and Training3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.