Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the average for all occupations. Each year, about 2,200 job openings are expected, largely driven by the need to replace workers who retire or move into other fields. For more information, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Career Growth
Growing needs in energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management are expected to drive continued demand for geoscientists.
Our degree programs prepare students for a wide range of career paths, including:
- Energy: Exploration and production of energy and mineral resources.
- Environmental Geoscience: Investigating, monitoring, and remediating environmental issues, many connected to groundwater hydrology.
- Government: Monitoring water and geologic resources, assessing hazards, and supporting science‑based policy at state and federal agencies.
- Education: Teaching at levels from middle school through college.
- Environmental Law: Working with law firms and federal agencies such as the EPA to enforce and interpret environmental regulations.
Where geoscientists find jobs
Bachelor’s graduates employed at graduation found jobs across a wide spectrum of industries. See illustration below of 2020-21 graduates from the Status of Recent Geoscience Graduates published by the American Geosciences organization.
Salaries
| Employment Sector | Annual Mean Wage (2023) |
|---|---|
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | $126,140 |
| Federal Government | $110,400 |
| State Government | $82,370 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | $78,610 |
Data from US Dept. of Labor
The job market for geoscientists is considered to be very good; for more information, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Employment by categories
