Geological Technician

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

3.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Geological Technician?

A Geological Technician, also known as a Geotechnician, provides support to geoscientists by collecting data in the field, conducting laboratory tests, and analyzing geological samples. They play a vital role in exploring natural resources, such as minerals, oil, and gas, and in environmental protection and conservation.

Sample job titles:

Geological Technician, Geotechnician, Materials Technician, Physical Science Technician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Geological Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Geological Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$39K per year	$48K per year	$64K per year	$92K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $1.11K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Geological Technician do?

Work environment

Geological Technicians often split their time between fieldwork in various outdoor locations, which can be in remote and rugged terrain, and laboratory work in an office or lab setting. They may be employed by mining and oil companies, environmental agencies, or consulting firms. Fieldwork can involve extensive travel and work in all weather conditions.

Quick task list

Collects and analyzes geological samples, such as rocks, soils, and water.
Assists in conducting geological surveys and mapping.
Operates and maintains geological equipment and instruments.
Prepares and presents reports on geological findings.
Supports geologists in research and exploration projects.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Mineral Exploration: Focusing on locating and evaluating mineral deposits.
Petroleum Geology: Assisting in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas.
Environmental Geology: Evaluating environmental impacts and contributing to land reclamation and conservation.
Hydrogeology: Studying groundwater movement and supporting water resource management.
Geotechnical Engineering: Assisting in assessing soil and rock properties for construction projects.

Description

Geological Technicians combine a passion for the outdoors with scientific expertise to understand the Earth's composition and processes. Their work is essential in resource exploration, environmental conservation, and understanding geological hazards. They need strong technical skills to operate specialized equipment for collecting and analyzing geological data, as well as analytical skills to interpret this data.

The role requires a balance between physical outdoor work and detailed indoor analysis. Technicians must be adaptable, as their tasks can vary greatly depending on the project. They often work in teams and collaborate with geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists, making communication skills crucial.

This career can be incredibly rewarding for those who enjoy a mix of fieldwork and laboratory analysis and are interested in earth sciences. Geological Technicians contribute to important work in resource management, environmental protection, and understanding the natural world.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to important geological discoveries and environmental conservation.
The variety of work settings, from outdoor fieldwork to laboratory analysis.
Opportunities to travel and explore different geographical locations.

You might make a good Geological Technician if you are...

Fascinated by geology and earth sciences.
Comfortable with physical work in outdoor settings and various weather conditions.
Skilled in using scientific instruments and conducting laboratory tests.
Analytical and detail-oriented for data collection and analysis.
Able to work well in a team and communicate findings effectively.

Pros:

Engaging and diverse work in both field and laboratory settings.
Opportunity to contribute to significant environmental and resource management projects.
Potential for travel and exploration of different geological sites.

Cons:

Fieldwork can be physically demanding and may require working in remote or challenging environments.
Some roles may involve exposure to hazardous materials or conditions.
The need for continual learning and adaptation to new technologies and methods.

How to become a Geological Technician

Typical education

Typically, an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in geology, earth sciences, or a related field is required. The schooling can take 2-4 years, and some positions may require specialized training or certifications.

High school preparation

Courses:

Earth Science and Biology to build a foundation in natural sciences.
Chemistry and Physics for understanding material properties and processes.
Mathematics, particularly Algebra and Geometry, for data analysis.
Geography to understand physical landscapes and mapping.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining environmental or science clubs.
Participating in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or rock collecting.
Volunteering with local conservation projects or environmental organizations.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in geology, earth sciences, or related fields.
Gaining hands-on experience through internships or summer jobs in geological surveying, mining, or environmental agencies.
Acquiring certifications in specialized areas such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) or hazardous material handling.
Attending workshops and seminars to stay current in the field.

More resources

American Geosciences Institute (AGI) - Offers resources and information for aspiring geoscientists.
Geological Society of America (GSA) - Provides networking and educational opportunities for geology professionals.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) - A primary source of geological data and research in the United States.
The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) - Offers resources for professionals in the mining and exploration sector.
Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society (EEGS) - A resource for those interested in the application of geophysics to environmental and engineering problems.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.