DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
19-2042 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Occupational Description:
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 230 | 26 | $39.31/hr | $1.02/hr | $22.41/hr | $28.35/hr | $38.63/hr | $48.93/hr | $59.04/hr |
| U S | 29,200 | 934 | $52.63/hr | $0.95/hr | $24.77/hr | $31.66/hr | $44.71/hr | $63.57/hr | $91.28/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2023 - 2025 | |
| Hydrologists | 300 | $38.26/hr | 1.8% |
| Physicists | 160 | $60.41/hr | 2.0% |
| Materials Scientists | 60 | $38.98/hr | 1.0% |
| Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers | 50 | $43.36/hr | 1.0% |
| Petroleum Engineers | 50 | $57.76/hr | 0.9% |
Tasks for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Studies, examines, measures, and classifies composition, structure, and history of earth's crust, including rocks, minerals, fossils, soil, and ocean floor.
- Locates and estimates probable gas and oil deposits, using aerial photographs, charts, and research and survey results.
- Interprets research data, and recommends further study or action.
- Tests industrial diamonds and abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, and precision instruments.
- Analyzes engineering problems at construction projects, such as dams, tunnels, and large buildings, applying geological knowledge.
- Develops instruments for geological work, such as diamond tool and dies, jeweled bearings, and grinding laps and wheels.
- Recommends and prepares reports on foundation design, acquisition, retention, or release of property leases, or areas of further research.
- Measures characteristics of earth, using seismograph, gravimeter, torsion balance, magnetometer, pendulum devices, and electrical resistivity apparatus.
- Inspects proposed construction site and sets up test equipment and drilling machinery.
- Prepares geological reports, maps, charts, and diagrams.
- Identifies and determines sequence of processes affecting development of earth.
