Geologist
Also known as: geologist engineer, bedrock geologist, geology researcher, structural geologist, geology scholar, geology science researcher
About this occupation
Geologists research the materials that form the earth. Their observations depend on the purpose of the research. Depending on their specialisation, geologists study how the Earth has been shaped over time, its geological layers, the quality of minerals for mining purposes, earthquakes and volcanic activity for private services, and similar phenomena.
Essential skills and knowledge
- scientific research methodology
- carry out geological explorations
- geological time scale
- apply scientific methods
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- conduct soil sample tests
- scientific modelling
- execute analytical mathematical calculations
- cartography
- collect geological data
- operate scientific measuring equipment
- calibrate laboratory equipment
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (O*NET 19-2042.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Science, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Listening
US median pay: US$101,920 a year (2025), 23,470 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyVery important (4.2)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.1)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryVery important (4.0)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (3.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- Environmental ScienceO*NET: Biology + GeographyVery important (3.5)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- 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.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Industrial Ecologists
- Conservation Scientists
- Soil and Plant Scientists
- Geographers
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
- Biologists
- Data Scientists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.