How to become a geologist

What the work looks like

Time is split between field sites and modeling at a desk. Geothermal, critical minerals and carbon storage are growing alongside the traditional oil, gas and mining roles.

The official O*NET job description lists tasks such as:

• 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.

The route in

Pay in the US

The May 2025 national figures for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers run from $59,330 at the 10th percentile to $200,230 at the 90th, with a median of $101,920 and a mean of $116,150. BLS projects employment growth of 5% over 2025-35 (faster than average), with about 1,800 openings a year.

If you do a PhD in this area

In 2025 the median research doctorate recipient in geosciences, atmospheric, and ocean sciences took 7.8 years from bachelor's degree, 6.4 years from starting graduate school and 5.7 years from starting the doctoral program.

In 2025, of 1,192 research doctorate recipients in geosciences, atmospheric, and ocean sciences, 775 reported a definite postgraduation commitment and 433 of those were postdoctoral study positions in the United States. That is 55.9% of those with a commitment.

In the UK

UK geoscientists work for consultancies, water companies, energy firms and the British Geological Survey. Chartered status through the Geological Society is a common goal.

ONS ASHE 2026 (provisional) gives median annual gross pay of £52,044 for full-time employees in SOC 2020 group 2114, physical scientists. This is a provisional figure from a small sample, so treat it as a rough guide.