How to Become a Geologist
Study the composition, structure, and processes of the Earth to understand geological phenomena and assess natural resources. It typically requires a bachelor's degree (master's for research), with a median salary of $101,920 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$101,920/yr
Middle half
$75,110 to $139,380
Job growth
About average
Openings / yr
2,000
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Geological Mapping
- GIS
- Fieldwork
- Rock and Mineral Analysis
- Report Writing
Helpful certifications
- PG (Professional Geologist)
- State Licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
25/100
Work-life balance
55/100
Stress level
35/100
Satisfaction
74/100
Related careers
- Farmer / Agricultural Manager$89,900 median
- Environmental Scientist$82,220 median
- Soil / Plant Scientist$78,850 median
- Forester$76,400 median
- Forest / Conservation Technician$54,560 median
- Agricultural Technician$49,630 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Geologist make?
The median pay for a Geologist is $101,920 a year, and the middle half of workers earn between $75,110 and $139,380 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). That covers everyone in the job, not only people starting out, so newer workers sit toward the lower end.
What degree do you need to become a Geologist?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree (master's for research). Common majors are Geology, Earth Science, Geophysics, and Environmental Science.
Is Geologist a growing field?
Projected job growth for this role from 2024 to 2034 is about average (BLS projections via O*NET), with roughly 2,000 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Geologist use most?
Common skills for this role are Geological Mapping, GIS, Fieldwork, Rock and Mineral Analysis, and Report Writing.
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Take the major quizWhere these pay figures come from
Career pay is the annual wage of everyone working in that occupation, not only recent graduates, so it includes people who have done the job for decades. The middle half is the 25th to the 75th percentile. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median and percentile annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).
All figures are national. What you earn depends on where you work, who you work for, and how far you take the degree.
Job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median and percentile annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).