Geoscientist (Geologist)
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
What the job is
- The work
- Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
BLS
Geoscientists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Work environment
- Geoscientists usually split their time between work in an office setting, in laboratories, and outdoors. Most geoscientists work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Schedules vary to include irregular hours when doing fieldwork.
BLS
Geoscientists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Good fit for
- Curious students who like rocks, maps, field trips and solving earth-science puzzles.
- Career cluster
- Energy & Natural Resources
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025 (geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers).
- Median pay
- $101,920 a year ($49.00 an hour)
BLS
Geoscientists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 25,400
- Typical entry
- Bachelor's degree
- Training after hire
- None
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- +5%, which BLS calls "faster than average"
BLS
Geoscientists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- +1,300 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
How to become one
- The usual route
- Geoscientists typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. For some positions, employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree. Most geoscientists need a state-issued license.
BLS
Geoscientists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- In short
- Geoscientists typically need a bachelor's degree in geoscience; some jobs prefer a master's. Most geoscientists need a state-issued license: 30 states and Puerto Rico license geologists, usually through the two ASBOG exams (Fundamentals of Geology and Practice of Geology) plus years of experience.
- License
- Most states (30 + Puerto Rico). 30 states and Puerto Rico require professional licensing or registration for geologists. One state's rule, from its own board:
- By state
- State rules on the roadmap
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
-
StateChoose a state
- AlabamaState guide
- AlaskaState guide
- ArizonaState guide
- ArkansasState guide
- CaliforniaState guide
- ColoradoState guide
- ConnecticutState guide
- DelawareState guide
- District of ColumbiaState guide
- FloridaState guide
- GeorgiaState guide
- HawaiiState guide
- IdahoState guide
- IllinoisState guide
- IndianaState guide
- IowaState guide
- KansasState guide
- KentuckyState guide
- LouisianaState guide
- MaineState guide
- MarylandState guide
- MassachusettsState guide
- MichiganState guide
- MinnesotaState guide
- MississippiState guide
- MissouriState guide
- MontanaState guide
- NebraskaState guide
- NevadaState guide
- New HampshireState guide
- New JerseyState guide
- New MexicoState guide
- New YorkState guide
- North CarolinaState guide
- North DakotaState guide
- OhioState guide
- OklahomaState guide
- OregonState guide
- PennsylvaniaState guide
- Rhode IslandState guide
- South CarolinaState guide
- South DakotaState guide
- TennesseeState guide
- TexasState guide
- UtahState guide
- VermontState guide
- VirginiaState guide
- WashingtonState guide
- West VirginiaState guide
- WisconsinState guide
- WyomingState guide
Step-by-step roadmap
The routes step by step, the exam gates and the state license step are on one page.
Geoscientist: bachelor's in geoscience, ASBOG exams and a state license in most states
See the roadmap
Route 1: Bachelor's in geoscience → geoscientist · Route 2: Professional Geologist (P.G.) license
More careers in Energy & Natural Resources
Open the cluster hubEvery career page in this cluster, with entry, license, pay and outlook side by side.
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 21 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses.