Be a Professional Geologist

Are you concerned about your environment, the quality of your water, or land use planning? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you curious about the origin of things? Do you enjoy travel? Are you interested in the use of mineral and energy resources by modern society? If so, a career in the geological sciences will provide a very rewarding future for you.

What do geologists do?

Geologists investigate the character and origin of the Earth, its surface features and internal structure. They use this knowledge to reduce the dangers of human interaction with earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanism. Geologists apply their knowledge to the discovery of energy and mineral resources that are fundamental to modern life.

 

Who employs geologists?

Over 500 firms in southern California hire geologists in the fields of environmental geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, petroleum geology and numerous other branches of geology, oceanography, geophysics, and geochemistry. City and county agencies such as the Department of Public Works and the Sanitation Districts hire geologists to deal with the problems of flood control and waste disposal. Geologists inspect dam sites for the State Division of Safety of Dams. They conduct a wide variety of geological research at universities, the California Geological Survey and the United States Geological Survey. Public high schools in California hire geologists to teach Earth science.

 

How well are geologists paid?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  classifies Earth scientists in three categories: (1) geoscientists, (2) hydrogeologists, and (3) environmental scientists.  The statistics below are the most recent available as of April 2008.

Median annual earnings of environmental scientists were $56,100 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $42,840 and $74,480. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,590, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,670.

Median annual earnings of hydrogeologists were $66,260 in 2006, with the middle 50 percent earning between $51,370 and $82,140, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $42,080, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $98,320.

Median annual earnings of geoscientists were $72,660 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $51,860 and $100,650; the lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,740, the highest 10 percent more than $135,950.

The result of the 2006 survey by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists of salaries paid in the last 3 years to petroleum geologists is tabulated below:

 

Salaries for Petroleum Geologists

Years Experience	2006	2007	2008
0-2 3-5 6-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25+	$74,400 $81,300 $95,400 $114,400 $119,600 $139,000 $134,100	$82,200 $89,600 $98,500 $111,500 $141,000  $155,000 $149,900	$82,800 $107,800 $121,100 $119,800 $151,600 $167,400 $162,800

Data Sources: American Association of Petroleum Geologists and Bureau of Labor Statistics for Geoscientists and Hydrogeologists/Environmental Scientists

How do I prepare to become a geologist?

The Department of Geological Sciences at Cal State L. A. offers a B.S. and M.S. program for the training of professional geologists. Masters students select courses to develop their career specialization. Most students are presently specializing in hydrogeology or engineering geology. The Department also offers a B. S. degree in Natural Sciences for individuals who wish to be Earth science teachers, park rangers, environmentalists, or other physical science naturalists.

 

Want to check some web sites?

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a very informative web page with a large number of links to professional societies where you can learn even more. 

 

Interested? Want to talk about it? Contact:

Physical Sciences Room 234
(323) 343-2417
Email: pramire@calstatela.edu

Physical Sciences Room 214
(323) 343-2414
Email: bhibbs@calstatela.edu