STEM Specialization

Geosciences

Geosciences graduates earn $60,190 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,343 and $77,573. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

About Geosciences

Geosciences is a focused area of study within Physical Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $60,190 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 592 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 7,691 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$39,696
Median Earnings · 4yr
$60,190
Colleges Offering
592
Graduates / Year
7,691
Avg Net Price / yr
$19,070

How Much Do Geosciences Graduates Earn?

Geosciences graduates earn $60,190 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,343 and $77,573. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $39,696 climbs to $60,190 by year four.

$39,696
1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$60,190
4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$60,453
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Geosciences graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.


A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $60,190 and an estimated $76,280 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.5 years.

Based on outcomes from 466 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 7,691 students who complete Geosciences programs each year, the majority (66%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 66%
Master's 21%
Doctorate 10%

What Can You Do With a Geosciences Degree?

Geosciences connects to 6 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$167,220
$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally
Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

  • Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
  • Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
  • Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
↗ +2.6% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$103,170
$77K $136K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 1,000 openings/yr 10K employed nationally
Speaking Science Critical Thinking Instructing Reading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as structural geology, micrometeorology, and atmospheric thermodynamics.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
↗ +3.2% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$101,920
$75K $139K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 2,000 openings/yr 23K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Speaking Science Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities

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.

  • Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
  • Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
  • Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
↘ -0.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$96,600
$77K $123K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 500 openings/yr 6K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Science Mathematics
Day-to-day responsibilities

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

  • Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
  • Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
  • Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
↗ +2.2% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$93,250
$69K $127K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 1,900 openings/yr 20K employed nationally
Speaking Writing Reading Comprehension Learning Strategies Monitoring
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical separation.
  • Establish, teach, and monitor students' compliance with safety rules for handling chemicals, equipment, and other hazardous materials.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory performance, assignments, and papers.
↗ +1.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$53,350
$45K $72K 25th–75th pct.
Associate's degree 1,300 openings/yr 7K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Time Management Monitoring Writing
Day-to-day responsibilities

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.

  • 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.

Top Colleges for Geosciences

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Geosciences students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS · Public 164 77.6% $17,595 $51,513
2 Washington State University Pullman, WA · Public 134 86.6% $14,971 $68,905
3 Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public 124 57.4% $21,315 $72,097
4 University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public 118 39.2% $14,091 $78,466
5 University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public 104 26.7% $12,470 $84,943
6 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public 102 60.6% $32,875 $63,435
7 Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH · Nonprofit 91 99.5% $36,708 $50,318
8 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public 91 26.6% $19,857 $75,121
9 University of Arizona Tucson, AZ · Public 89 86.1% $16,674 $59,979
10 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA · Public 87 58.1% $30,434 $66,125
11 Stanford University Stanford, CA · Nonprofit 85 3.6% $13,807 $124,080
12 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC · Public 78 79.6% $15,435 $57,289
13 University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA · Public 75 65.8% $17,890 $68,396
14 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public 69 15.6% $13,138 $83,648
15 University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA · Public 64 33% $16,109 $74,915
16 Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Nonprofit 63 4% $21,590 $102,491
17 University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY · Public 59 74.2% $20,995 $70,814
18 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA · Public 55 73.3% $19,151 $61,251
19 University of Nevada-Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV · Public 54 96.2% $10,359 $55,037
20 Georgia State University Atlanta, GA · Public 53 55.4% $15,931 $47,384

Ranked by Geosciences graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Geosciences program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Geosciences Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Geosciences shows 4 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Above-average earnings Four-year median of $60,190 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $39,696 at graduation to $60,190 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 15,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
  • Wide availability Offered at 592 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
  • Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.

Geosciences Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Geosciences graduates earn?
Geosciences graduates earn a national median of $60,190 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,343 and $77,573. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Geosciences degree?
One year after graduation, Geosciences degree holders earn a median of $39,696. That climbs to $60,190 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Geosciences degree?
Geosciences degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Geosciences program take?
A Geosciences bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Geosciences?
592 colleges and universities in the United States offer Geosciences programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Geosciences degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $60,190 and an average net price of roughly $19,070/yr, a Geosciences degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Geosciences and Physical Sciences?
Geosciences is a focused concentration within the broader Physical Sciences field. The Physical Sciences major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Geosciences-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Geosciences graduates?
Employers hiring Geosciences graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Geosciences graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Geosciences graduates?
The job outlook for Geosciences graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.2% job growth over the next 10 years. Natural Sciences Managers is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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