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Mining & Metals
Newmont, Rio Tinto, Freeport-McMoRan
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Geological technicians support geologists by collecting rock, soil, and fluid samples, logging field data, and turning survey notes, drill records, and photos into maps and cross-sections. The work is hands-on and detail-heavy, with one foot in the field and the other in data cleanup and equipment checks. The tradeoff is that the job can be physically demanding and project-based, while the pay stays fairly modest for a science occupation.
Also known as Geological TechnicianGeology TechnicianGeoscience TechnicianGeological Field TechnicianExploration Geology Technician
Median Salary
$48,390
Mean $58,220
U.S. Workforce
~10K
1.3K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+1.5%
9.8K to 10K
Entry Education
Associate's degree
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians sits in the Science category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~10K workers, with a median annual pay of $48,390 and roughly 1.3K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to grow from 9.8 K in 2024 to 10K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with Associate's degree in geology, earth science, or surveying, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Geology Field Assistant and can progress toward Lead Geological Technician. High-value skills usually include Field Data Logging, Excel & Access, ArcGIS, QGIS & Geological Mapping, and Sample Collection & Preparation, paired with soft skills such as Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, and Monitoring.
Core Responsibilities
- Check and fix field or lab equipment so it keeps giving accurate readings.
- Collect rock, soil, or fluid samples and get them ready for analysis.
- Write down test results, survey readings, and other field notes for later review.
- Join field crews on exploration trips, drill sites, and mine surveys to gather data.
Keep exploring: more Science careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Check and fix field or lab equipment so it keeps giving accurate readings.
02 Collect rock, soil, or fluid samples and get them ready for analysis.
03 Write down test results, survey readings, and other field notes for later review.
04 Join field crews on exploration trips, drill sites, and mine surveys to gather data.
05 Turn aerial photos, drill logs, and sketch notes into maps and cross-sections.
06 Look up background information in databases and speak with supervisors or sources to fill in missing details.
Industries That Hire
🛢️
Oil & Gas Exploration
Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Halliburton
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Environmental Consulting
AECOM, WSP, Tetra Tech
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Engineering & Surveying Services
Jacobs, Stantec, AtkinsRéalis
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Government Earth Science Agencies
USGS, NOAA, Bureau of Land Management
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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You can enter the field with an associate's degree and no work experience, which is a lower barrier than many science jobs.
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The work changes from day to day: sample collection, survey support, map work, and data logging are all part of the mix.
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It combines outdoor fieldwork with computer-based analysis, so you are not stuck doing the same type of task all day.
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The occupation has 1.3 thousand projected annual openings, so there is a steady stream of replacement hiring even though growth is slow.
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The mean annual pay of $58,220 gives experienced technicians room to out-earn the median $48,390 when they move into better projects or specialized employers.
Challenges
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Growth is only 1.5% from 2024 to 2034, so this is not a fast-expanding field.
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The job base is small at 9,710 workers, which can mean fewer openings and more competition when a good position comes up.
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Pay is only moderate for a science career, and the median of $48,390 is not especially high for the amount of technical detail expected.
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Field assignments can be remote, dirty, hot, cold, or underground, and some jobs involve long drives to drill sites or survey locations.
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The work is tied to exploration budgets, commodity prices, and project funding, so hiring can slow down quickly when the industry contracts; some routine logging and data entry tasks are also easier to standardize or automate than the field judgment itself.
Career Progression
Geology Field Assistant
0-2 years
$32K-$40K
Helps set up field sites, label samples, and keep notes while learning how surveys, drilling, and logging work.
Geological Technician
2-5 years
$41K-$56K
Handles routine sample collection, data recording, map updates, and basic equipment setup; this is the band that fits the median pay of $48,390.
Senior Geological Technician THIS ROLE
5-9 years
$57K-$72K
Leads field routines, checks data quality, and helps newer technicians avoid mistakes on surveys and drilling projects.
Lead Geological Technician
9+ years
$73K-$92K
Coordinates field schedules, troubleshoots problems in the middle of a project, and turns technical notes into usable information for geologists and managers.
Education Paths
Associate's degree in geology, earth science, or surveying
The typical direct route into the job and the best fit for the field-and-lab mix this role requires.
Certificate or postsecondary credential in geological technology, GIS, or surveying
A practical alternative for candidates who want to enter the field faster and build skills through moderate on-the-job training.
Bachelor's degree in geology, earth science, or environmental science
A stronger option if you want a broader science foundation and a better shot at moving into higher-level technical work later.
Key Skills
Technical
Field Data Logging, Excel & Access 80%
ArcGIS, QGIS & Geological Mapping 78%
Sample Collection & Preparation 76%
Well Logs, Core Logging & Cross-Sections 74%
GPS, Survey Instruments & Field Measurements 72%
Equipment Troubleshooting, Calibration & Basic Repair 64%
Soft Skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingMonitoringTime ManagementWritingActive Listening Job Outlook and Trends
+1.5%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
1.3K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 9.8K to 10 K over the next decade, representing 1.5% growth. Around 1.3 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Rare. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.