Geologist and Geophysicist
Geologists and geophysicists are scientific professionals who study the Earth’s composition, history, and processes. Geologists focus on analyzing rocks, fossils, soil, and minerals, while geophysicists apply principles from physics and mathematics to investigate the Earth’s magnetic fields, seismic activity, and other geological elements. They often specialize in various sub-fields such as mineralogy, paleontology, and hydrology. Employment opportunities for these professionals are found in government agencies, academic institutions, and private sectors like oil and construction companies, where their expertise supports efforts in disaster preparedness, resource exploration, and environmental protection.
The work of geologists and geophysicists involves extensive field research in diverse and often rugged environments, requiring them to adapt to varying weather conditions and travel significant distances. While fieldwork can be demanding, they also spend time in labs and offices analyzing data, preparing reports, and researching earth science topics. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for entry-level positions, with advanced roles often necessitating a master’s or doctoral degree. The field offers a promising job outlook, with a median annual earning of about $92,580, appealing to those with an interest in earth sciences and a desire to contribute to public safety and environmental stewardship.
Geologist and Geophysicist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Seismology, hydrology, earth science, helping others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $92,580 per year $44.51 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 5% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Geologists and geophysicists study the composition, natural history, and other aspects of the Earth. Geologists analyze rocks, plant and animal fossils, soil, minerals, and precious stones. They work for government agencies, oil and petroleum corporations, construction companies, universities, and museums. Geophysicists use physics, chemistry, mathematics, and geology to study the Earth’s magnetic fields, oceans, composition, seismic forces, and other elements. Most geologists and geophysicists specialize in sub-fields such as mineralogy, hydrology, paleontology, seismology, and geochemistry. Geologists and geophysicists may be employed by organizations that intend to locate new oil deposits, predict earthquakes and volcano activity, or analyze environmental degradation.
Work Environment. Most geologists and geophysicists spend a significant portion of their time in the field conducting research. Fieldwork often involves traveling great distances into remote, rugged environments. Some geologists and geophysicists travel to foreign countries to pursue field research opportunities. Geologists and geophysicists must also work in all weather conditions. When performing field research, geologists and geophysicists typically work long and irregular hours. When not conducting fieldwork, geologists and geophysicists are at work in offices and laboratories, studying samples, writing papers, and analyzing and interpreting data.
Occupation Interest. Geophysicists and geologists play an important role in protecting people from natural disasters – their work in seismology, hydrology, and other fields can help people avoid flood damage, prepare for seismic activity, or escape the impending eruption of a volcano. These geoscientists also help businesses, universities, and government agencies locate safe locations for construction, find dinosaur remains, and identify new areas in which to dig for oil, metals, or precious stones. The work performed by geophysicists and geologists changes frequently, and new research contributes to a growing body of knowledge about the history and characteristics of the Earth. This occupation attracts inquisitive individuals with an interest in earth sciences and a desire to help others.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The work performed by geologists and geophysicists varies based on their area of expertise. For example, some mineralogists prepare cross-sectional diagrams and geographic surveys of areas in which precious stones and metals may be located and extracted. Others set up and maintain seismic monitors in and around active volcanic areas. Some geophysicists and geologists spend a great deal of time in the laboratory, while others spend the vast majority of time in the field.
Most often, geologists and geophysicists plan and conduct geological surveys, field studies, and other technical analyses. They take small samples of stones, soil, and sediment or use sensory equipment to sample magnetic waves, tremors, and subterranean water flows. Using these samples and data, geologists and geophysicists compile technical reports, academic papers, charts, maps, and policy recommendations. Geologists and geophysicists rely on computer modeling software, sensory data recorders, and other pieces of hardware and software to ensure that data is complete and organized. Scientists who study the compositions of rocks, minerals, and other resources must also conduct laboratory experiments using chemicals and other analytical tools.
Geologists and geophysicists employed by educational institutions may also need to write research proposals and grant applications in addition to performing their own research. Some geologists and geophysicists are also university professors, overseeing lectures and laboratory sections in addition to performing their own independent research.
Mineralogists (024.061-038). Mineralogists examine, analyze, and classify minerals, gems, and precious stones and study their occurrence and chemistry.
Paleontologists (024.061-042). Paleontologists study the fossilized remains of plants and animals to determine the development of past life and the history of the Earth.
Hydrologists (024.061-034). Hydrologists study the distribution and development of water in land areas and evaluate findings in reference to such problems as flood and drought, soil and water conservation, and inland irrigation.
Geological Oceanographers (024.061-018). Geological Oceanographers study the ocean bottom.
Physical Oceanographers (024.061-030). Physical Oceanographers study the physical aspects of oceans, such as currents and their interaction with the atmosphere.
Seismologists (024.061-050). Seismologists interpret data from seismographs and other instruments to locate earthquakes and earthquake faults.
Stratigraphers (024.061-054). Stratigraphers study the distribution and arrangement of sedimentary rock layers by examining their contents.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Geologists and geophysicists spend much of their time in the field. Fieldwork is typically conducted in remote areas and may require long travel across rugged terrain to reach. These geoscientists must work outdoors in a wide range of climates and weather conditions. When not in the field, geologists and geophysicists work in offices and laboratories, which are clean, comfortable work environments. Laboratories may have certain hazards such as chemicals used in analyzing rocks.
Human Environment. Depending on their area of specialty, geologists and geophysicists work with a number of different individuals. Among the people with whom they interact are engineers, other geoscientists, laboratory assistants, environmental scientists, oceanographers, chemists, geographers, business executives, and government officials.
Technological Environment. Geologists and geophysicists need to use a wide range of technology to complete their work. Geological compasses, electromagnetic instruments, water flow measurement instruments, soil core sampling tools, sonar, magnetic field measurement devices, geographic information systems (GIS) software, global positioning systems (GPS), map creation systems, and scientific databases are only some of the tools and technologies used by individuals in this field.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students should study chemistry, physics, environmental science, and other physical science courses. Math classes, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, are essential in geology and geophysics. History, computer science, geography, English, foreign language, and photography courses can also be highly useful for future geologists and geophysicists.
Postsecondary. Geologists and geophysicists generally need a master’s degree in geology, paleontology, mineralogy, or a related geosciences subject for entry-level jobs. Those who wish to pursue a senior-level research position or employment at an educational institution will need to obtain a doctorate.
Related Occupations
− Metallurgical-Materials Engineer
− Mining and Geological Engineer
Bibliography
"Geoscientists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 19-2042 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes192042.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.