Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics · Science and Mathematics
Pay and outlook shown for
New workers start near $51,380; experienced workers reach $212,080. About 120 people do this job in San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX.
Job outlook
Alamo region (San Antonio and 12 surrounding counties), Texas Workforce Commission projection 2024 to 2034; U.S. figures from the BLS.
- Employment change
- +22.6%
- Openings a year
- 14
- Employed in 2024
- 133
Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree
Alamo Colleges programs that lead here
5 programs, with the college that teaches each.
Skills this career uses
The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.
- Reading Comprehension4.9
- Science4.6
- Speaking4.4
- Critical Thinking4.3
- Writing4.6
- Active Listening4.3
- Complex Problem Solving4.1
- Judgment and Decision Making4.0
What the work is
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.
- Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
- Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
- Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
Education people in this job have
Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.
- Bachelor's degree41%
- Master's degree44%
- Doctoral or professional16%
Job zone 5, extensive preparation: A graduate or professional degree, usually after a bachelor's.
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