Science
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
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.
Median salary (BLS)
$53,350
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$36k – $100k
Job outlook
+2% (about average)
AI exposure
Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $119,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Plan a path to Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Education
Typical entry: Bachelor's degree
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians Intern
Internship
$36,000
~4 mos to advance
Junior Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Entry / Junior
$35,770
~2 yrs to advance
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Established
$53,350
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Senior
$76,455
Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.
Key skills
A typical day
- •Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- •Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
- •Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
- •Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- •Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Science
Explore all- Massachusetts Institute of Technology4% admit · $124,000 grad pay
- California Institute of Technology3% admit · $112,000 grad pay
- Harvard University4% admit · $119,000 grad pay
- Stanford University4% admit · $122,000 grad pay
- University of California, Berkeley11% admit · $97,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.