What they 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.
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Also called: |
Engineering Geologist, Environmental Protection Geologist, Exploration Geologist, Geological Specialist, Geologist, Geophysicist, Geoscientist, Hydrogeologist, Mine Geologist, Project Geologist
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Wages
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Vermont - 2023 |
Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
10% |
$ 37.97 |
$78,980 |
25% |
$ 67.71 |
$140,840 |
Median |
$ 75.00 |
$156,000 |
75% |
$ 75.23 |
$156,470 |
90% |
$ 75.23 |
$156,470 |
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Average |
$ 66.88 |
$139,120 |
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More at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
United States - 2020 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 47% |
| 11% |
- Management of companies and enterprises
| 9% |
- Federal government, excluding postal service
| 8% |
- State government, excluding education and hospitals
| 8% |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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- Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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- Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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- Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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More at O*NET |
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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What are your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler |
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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More at O*NET |
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- 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.
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- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
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- 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.
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- Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
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- Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
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More at O*NET |
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
Projected employment not available for Vermont but may be for the nation and other states at CareerOneStop |
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Education and Experience:
- Typical education needed for entry
Bachelor's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Important
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- Level of activity is Moderate
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Low | | High |
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Compare Occupations at O*NET |
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Job Zone
Extensive Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(8.0 and above) - A typical worker will require
over 4 years up to and including 10 years or more
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | | 16% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | | 47% |
Bachelor's degree | | 38% |
Associate's degree | | 0% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | | 0% |
High school diploma or equivalent | | 0% |
Less than high school diploma | | 0% |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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- Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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More at O*NET |
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
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- Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
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- Interpret research or operational data.
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- Analyze geological or geographical data.
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- Research geological features or processes.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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