Career
Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians
Collect samples and data for geologists.
$53,350
Median pay
+3.6%
Job growth, 2025–35
1,000
Openings a year
Associate's degree
Typical education
2 years
Typical time after high school
Here's what you actually need to know.
The work
What people in this job do
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
- Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
The outlook
How the forecast changed this year
The deeper question
What kind of person does this path ask you to become?
What this work centers on
O*NET interest profile, scored 1–7.
The work
Do you want most of your days spent on objects & tools, then information & systems?
Responsibility
Are you willing to be the one responsible for this?
“Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.”
Development
What would you need to build over the next 5–10 years?
Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Time Management.
Trade-offs
What does it ask of you in exchange?
2 years of education after high school (associate's degree), for a median of $53,350 a year and 1,000 openings nationally each year.
Paths in
Degrees that lead here
- Geology and Earth SciencesSee the degree →
- Mining Technology/TechnicianCIP 15.0901
- Petroleum Technology/TechnicianCIP 15.0903
- Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians, OtherCIP 15.0999
- Geology/Earth Science, GeneralCIP 40.0601
- Science Technologies/Technicians, GeneralCIP 41.0000
Paths across
Careers that use similar skills
- Hydrologic Technicians$64,790 · -1.3%
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$54,240 · +5.8%
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$55,090 · +6.9%
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians$67,820 · +4.8%
Ask anything about this career.
“Would this make sense if I don't want to sit at a desk all day?” Answers will come from the sources on this page, with citations. Coming soon.
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Sources
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
- BLS Employment Projections, 2024–34 (archived), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
- O*NET 31.0 Database (August 2026), National Center for O*NET Development / U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
- CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk, NCES and BLS. Retrieved 2026-10-01.