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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Median Salary
52,440
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of geological and hydrologic technicians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for geological and hydrologic technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$38,920

10%

$52,440

Median

$80,090

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Geology/Earth Science, General
  • Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
  • Science Technologies/Technicians, General
  • Mining Technology/Technician
  • Petroleum Technology/Technician
  • Chemical Process Technology
  • Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
  • Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians, Other

Skills and Interest

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Physics

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.