Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
O*NET 19-4043.00 · SOC 19-4043
Geological Technician is a solid career choice. Median pay is $53k a year with +3.6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 1,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Collect rock and soil samples during field surveys
- →Prepare and label geological core samples for laboratory analysis
- →Plot geological data onto maps using GIS software
- →Operate drilling equipment to extract subsurface geological samples
- →Measure and record stratigraphic data at excavation sites
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Geological Technician roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Geological Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Geological Technician?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Geological Technician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians is projected to grow 3.6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Geological Technician make?
The median Geological Technician earns $53k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Geological Technician jobs?
Our model puts Geological Technician at 44 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Geological Technician a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 1,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Geological Technician?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Geological Technician roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Geological Technician?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Geological Technician career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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