Hydrologists
Median wage · national
$96,600
Range: $77K – $123K
Employed
6K
Openings/yr
500
Typically: bachelor's degree
STEM
Geological Technicians
Geological Technicians earn $53,350 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $44,850 and $72,110. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
About Geological Technicians
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.
- Median Wage
- $53,350
- Employed Nationally
- 7K
- Openings / Year
- 1,300
- Entry Education
- Associate's degree
- Job Zone
- Zone 4: Considerable Preparation
Also known as:
Acid Tester
Chalk Tester
Construction Material Technician
Construction Materials Field Technician (Construction Materials Field Tech)
Construction Materials Technician (Construction Materials Tech)
How Much Do Geological Technicians Make?
Geological Technicians earn $53,350 nationally, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,850 and $72,110. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
$53,350
National Median (Annual)
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$45K–$72K
Middle 50% Range
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
Earnings Range
$44,850
Entry-level
$53,350
Median
$72,110
Experienced
The mean wage for this occupation is $61,870, above the median. A concentration of very high earners pulls the average up. The median is the better gauge of typical pay.
What Do Geological Technicians Do?
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Geological Technicians roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
What You'll 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.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Monitoring
Writing
Who Thrives Here
R
Realistic
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
I
Investigative
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
Where Do Geological Technicians Work?
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Work Setting
Outdoor / Field
Significant time outdoors or in the field. Conditions vary by weather.
Physical Demands
Light
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Stress Level
Moderate
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for Geological Technicians?
The BLS projects +1.5% employment change for Geological Technicians through 2034, below the national average of +5%. About 1,300 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
↗ +1.5%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)
Slower than average.
1,300
Annual Openings
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
7K
Currently Employed
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
Where the Jobs Are
The five states below employ the most Geological Technicians professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $53,350 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 3,670 | $43,780 | -17.9% |
| 2 | California | 830 | $63,160 | +18.4% |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 750 | $44,640 | -16.3% |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 510 | $43,340 | -18.8% |
| 5 | Nevada | 350 | $72,440 | +35.8% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
How to Get Here
Most Geological Technicians positions require a associate's degree to qualify. The 5 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
Typical Entry Education
Associate's degree
Job Zone
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation
These positions typically require a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience before advancing into senior roles.
Degree Programs That Lead Here
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geosciences | 7,691 | $60,190 | 592 |
| 2 | Physical Science Technologies/Technicians | 2,688 | — | 96 |
| 3 | Science Technologies/Technicians | 2,436 | $68,416 | 82 |
| 4 | Mining & Petroleum Tech | 433 | $72,609 | 45 |
| 5 | Science Technologies/Technicians | 88 | $96,876 | 23 |
Top Colleges for Aspiring Geological Technicians
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD | 97 | — | — |
| 2 | United States Coast Guard Academy New London, CT | 96 | — | — |
| 3 | Princeton University Princeton, NJ | 94 | $6,128 | $110,066 |
| 4 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | 93 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
| 5 | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA | 93 | $12,470 | $84,943 |
| 6 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA | 93 | $13,481 | $92,446 |
Plan Your Path
Once you've sized up Geological Technicians, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if the degree that leads to Geological Technicians pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Geological Technicians Pros & Cons
The data on Geological Technicians shows 1 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are drawn from BLS wage data, employment projections, and IPEDS program completions.
PROS
- Accessible entry path The typical entry requirement is a associate's degree, lower than many comparable-paying careers. This creates a shorter path from training to first paycheck.
CONS
- Modest median salary At $53,350 median, this career lags STEM and business fields. High-cost degree programs may be difficult to justify on salary alone.
- Slow job growth At +1.5% projected growth, this career lags the national average. Limited expansion means stiffer competition for openings that do appear.
- Multi-year ramp before career-level pay This is a Job Zone 4 occupation, these positions typically require a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience before advancing into senior roles. Most workers in this field spend their first several years at entry-level pay well below the $53,350 median while building the experience employers require.
Geological Technicians Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Geological Technicians professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Geological Technicians is $53,350, below the national median, program ROI depends heavily on keeping tuition costs low. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,850 and $72,110. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Geological Technicians a good career?
Geological Technicians involves trade-offs worth understanding before committing. At $53,350 median, programs with high tuition are difficult to justify on salary return alone. Prioritize in-state public schools or employer-sponsored pathways. Job growth is projected at +1.5% through 2034. Genuine interest in the work, not just the salary, matters most here.
How long does it take to become a Geological Technicians?
Expect 4 years of undergraduate education followed by 2 or more years of field experience before most employers consider you qualified for career-level positions. A associate's degree is the typical minimum credential. Degree programs like Geosciences are typical entry paths. Early-career pay during this ramp-up period will be meaningfully below the $53,350 national median. Factor that gap into any program ROI calculation.
What is the job outlook for Geological Technicians?
The BLS projects +1.5% employment change for Geological Technicians through 2034, slower than average compared to all occupations. About 1,300 job openings per year are projected, including new positions and replacements for workers who retire or change careers. 7K people currently work in this occupation nationwide (BLS May 2024).
What skills do Geological Technicians professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Geological Technicians roles: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Time Management, Monitoring, and Writing. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.
Related Findings
-
10 Six-Figure Careers That Do Not Need a Bachelor's Degree
Air traffic controllers earn more than the typical bachelor's-degree career, with an associate degree. The occupations that pay six figures without four years of college.
- No bachelor degree
- High paying careers
- Associate degree
- Trades
- Median wage
-
Does a Master's Degree Pay Off? Barely, on Average
Group every career by the degree it requires and master's-level jobs pay a median of about $91,000, statistically tied with bachelor's-level work. The premium hides in a few fields.
- Master's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Median wage
- Graduate school
- Career outcomes
-
Growing and Paying $80K Plus: The Careers That Do Both
Only 95 of 385 federal careers both pay a median above $80,000 and grow faster than the typical job. Here is the rare set that clears both bars.
- Career growth
- Median wage
- High-paying careers
- Job outlook
- Career change
Continue Exploring
Browse our full directory: every college, major, program, and career we track, all built from verified government data.
Colleges
Discover 3,811 verified US colleges and universities. Compare admissions, costs, outcomes, and earnings across every accredited institution nationwide.
Majors
Explore 38 fields of study spanning STEM, health, business, and the humanities. See earnings, top programs, and demand.
Programs
Browse 375 specific degree programs. See completion counts, earnings outcomes, and the colleges awarding the most graduates each year.
Careers
Look up 395 BLS occupations. Get median wages, growth projections, education requirements, and the majors leading to each career.