The median pay for Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians is $53,350 a year ($25.65/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 3.6% through 2035, with about 1,000 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
- SOC 19-4043
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians in four numbers
- Median pay
- $53,350a year, or $25.65/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $36KTop 10% $100K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +3.6%About as fast as averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+3.6%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +3.6% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 1,0007,300 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 20257.3K
- Projected 20357.6K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 7.3K Projected 2035 7.6K - Typical education
- Associate'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
Also advertised as: Core Inspector, Environmental Field Services Technician, Environmental Sampling Technician, Geological E-Logger, Geological Technician, Geoscience Technician.
Pay
How much do Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians make?
Every geological technician, except hydrologic technicians in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$53,350
Middle half earn $44,850 to $72,110
- 10th
- $35,770
- 25th
- $44,850
- 75th
- $72,110
- 90th
- $99,560
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $35,770 |
| 25th | $44,850 |
| Median | $53,350 |
| 75th | $72,110 |
| 90th | $99,560 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $53,350
- Median hourly wage
- $25.65/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $61,870
- People employed
- 6,980
Versus all US occupations
At $53,350, Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians earn 5% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $2,370 a year.
Versus life, physical, and social science occupations
Inside the Life, Physical, and Social Science group, where the middle occupation pays $82,220, this is 35% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $99,560 or more while the bottom 10% earn $35,770, a gap of 2.8×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 26% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Maryland pays the most at $102,090, and still leads at $97,267 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Maryland | $102,090 | $97,267 | 30 |
| 2Indiana | $79,290 | $84,958 | N/A |
| 3Alaska | $76,090 | $74,336 | 70 |
| 4Nevada | $73,700 | $73,715 | 260 |
| 5California | $69,410 | $62,690 | 480 |
| 6West Virginia | $69,350 | $77,489 | 60 |
| 7Washington | $63,910 | $59,722 | N/A |
| 8Nebraska | $63,160 | $70,098 | N/A |
| 9Wyoming | $63,070 | $68,043 | 90 |
| 10Tennessee | $63,050 | $68,630 | 110 |
Job outlook
Is Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
About as fast as average. +3.6% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | +3.6% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
About as fast as average
BLS projects employment of Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians to change 3.6% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 300 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 1,000 openings are projected each year, 13.7% of the 7,300 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of geological and hydrologic technicians is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 1,400 openings for geological and hydrologic technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of geological and hydrologic technicians varies by occupation (see table).
Getting in
How to become a Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Geological and hydrologic technicians typically need at least an associate’s degree in applied science or science-related technology to enter the occupation. Some employers require a bachelor’s degree. Geological and hydrologic technicians also receive on-the-job training.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Associate's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
Full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entryThe work
What does a Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians do?
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources, such as soil, natural gas, and water.
Day-to-day tasks
- 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.
- Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
- Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
- Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most geological and hydrologic technicians work full time. Technicians generally work standard hours in laboratories and offices but may have irregular schedules in the field.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Architectural, engineering, and related services43%
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction31%
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services5%
- Educational services; state, local, and private2%
- Manufacturing2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 43% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 31% |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 5% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 2% |
| Manufacturing | 2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.8
- Critical Thinking3.5
- Writing3.3
- Monitoring3.3
- Active Listening3.1
- Speaking3.0
- Mathematics2.8
- Active Learning2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.8 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.5 |
| Writing | 3.3 |
| Monitoring | 3.3 |
| Active Listening | 3.1 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Mathematics | 2.8 |
| Active Learning | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Time Management3.3
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1
- Coordination3.0
- Operations Monitoring3.0
- Social Perceptiveness2.9
- Operation and Control2.8
- Persuasion2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Time Management | 3.3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 |
| Operation and Control | 2.8 |
| Persuasion | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Geographic information system · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base reporting software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 6 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic5.6
- Conventional5.3
- Investigative5.2
- Social1.5
- Artistic1.3
- Enterprising1.1
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians
O*NET related occupations
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Architecture and Engineering
- Architecture and Engineering
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
Environmental Science and Protection Technician, Including Health
$55,090median a year
Most earn $38K to $94K
+6.9%Associate's - Architecture and Engineering
- Architecture and Engineering
Environmental Engineering Technologist and Technician
$59,920median a year
Most earn $40K to $97K
+3.1%Associate's
More life, physical, and social science careers
Median annual pay, with geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians highlighted
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist$193,950
- Physicist$172,250
- Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Chemist$91,240
- Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health$82,220
- Conservation Scientist$73,010
- Chemical Technician$60,390
- Biological Technician$57,510
- Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians$53,350
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $193,950 |
| Physicist | $172,250 |
| Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists | $103,410 |
| Chemist | $91,240 |
| Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health | $82,220 |
| Conservation Scientist | $73,010 |
| Chemical Technician | $60,390 |
| Biological Technician | $57,510 |
| Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $53,350 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within geological technician, except hydrologic technicians
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians appears on
Questions
Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians: frequently asked questions
How much do Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians make?
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians earn a median of $53,350 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 5% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $25.65/hr. The middle half earn between $44,850 and $72,110. The top 10% earn $99,560 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians?
Usually a two-year degree rather than a four-year one. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training.
Is Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians a growing career?
It is stable rather than fast-growing: employment is projected to change 3.6% over 2025–2035, about the same as the 3.5% projected across all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 1,000 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians do?
Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources, such as soil, natural gas, and water. A core O*NET task: test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Data base user interface and query software, Electronic mail software.
Which states pay Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians the most?
The highest state medians for Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians are Maryland ($102,090), Indiana ($79,290), Alaska ($76,090) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Geological Technician, Except Hydrologic Technicians?
O*NET scores Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians highest on the Realistic, Conventional and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.