What Can You Do With a Geology Career?

Geology is the study of Earth and all the materials that make up our planet. Geology is also commonly known as earth science or geoscience. Geology encompasses a variety of skills such as mathematics, engineering, physics, biology, and chemistry. Geology is an ideal path to follow if you enjoy working in the field.

Geologists also Research different features of the natural world. Geologists study landscapes, earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciers, bodies of water, floods, groundwater flow, mountains, mines, dinosaur evolution, and many other events on Earth. 

Demand for geologists has increased over time. Governments are concerned with the well-being of our environment. This means geologists will always have a job to study the environment and help with sustainability.

The rising need for fuel across the planet has also led to geologists getting jobs in the petroleum industry.

Working towards earning a Geology degree means there are many options available to you in the professional industry. A few of the different fields you can enter are energy, environmental, or engineering sectors.

Some geologists work on studying the variety of natural disasters that occur. They work on forecasting these events to help warn people who live in areas where natural disasters occur. 

The study of geology is a very general study of Earth and other natural phenomena. There are different fields of specialization geologists enter within geology to cater to their interest of study.  Scientists use many tools such as borehole logging software to collect data in support of their studies. 

Geophysicists

 Geophysicists focus on the study of Earth’s physical properties. They generally will do field and lab work in the engineering and oil industries, governmental geological surveys, or environmental protection groups. According to Indeed, the average salary for a geophysicist is $99,925 per year in the United States.

Geochemists

Geochemists study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of Earth. They study the distribution of chemical elements in rocks and minerals. They also track the movement of the chemical elements into soil and water systems. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a geochemist in the United States is $56,323. 

Petroleum Geologists

Petroleum Geologists work to find the location and amount of fuel, mainly oil and gas deposits, in different sediments or reservoirs. They typically work with oil companies to supervise the oil extraction process. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a petroleum geologist is $113,053 in the United States.

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Hydrologists 

Hydrologists focus on studying the impact of pollution in different bodies of water. They’ll measure the properties of the bodies of water and collect water, typically surface water. Hydrologists collect soil samples to test for PH levels and pollution and analyze the data they gather. Their work is fundamental in the study of how pollution affects different parts of the world.

Their studies can also shed light on the impacts of erosions, droughts, and other problems. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a hydrologist is $84,040 per year. 

Hydrogeologists

 Hydrogeologists focus on how water interacts with the natural environment around it, namely rocks and soils. They study the relationship between water and the rocks and minerals around it as a natural process. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a hydrogeologist is $64,249 in the United States.

Engineering Geologists

Engineering Geologists are essential advisors to the geological threats that real estate development faces. They focus on studying the ground rock and determine whether the ground is stable enough to build and develop neighborhoods.

They also determine whether the type of rock is safe to build on. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an Engineering Geologist is $78,102 in the United States.

Environmental Geologists

Environmental Geologists work to ensure the environment stays clean and safe. To accomplish this, they study different aspects of the world. They conduct field studies to collect and analyze data at particular sites. They’ll study soil types, rock structures, and how groundwater flows. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an Environmental Geologist is $56,312 in the United States. 

Mud Logger

Mud Loggers work in a portable office where they collect, analyze, and record results of different drill samples. They need to collect data at different depths of the drilling process. They provide detailed analysis of the geology, oil and gas extractions, mud data, and any issues that can occur during the drilling process. The average salary in the United States for a Mud Logger is $46,513, according to Glassdoor. 

Professor of Geology

This pathway requires a Ph.D. or a Master’s degree in some cases. This pathway is great for those who are interested in passing on the knowledge they’ve gained throughout their studies. This path is ideal for those who have been in the field of geology for many years. They seek to inspire the next generation of geologists. The average salary for a professor teaching Geology is $91,163 in the United States according to Glassdoor. 

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide different insights regarding environmental concerns for both public and private industries. They analyze data and provide feedback in property acquisition, development and construction, public works, and infrastructure to ensure safety guidelines are being met.

They also focus on helping with sustainability and energy efficiency for different projects. The average salary in the United States for an Environmental Consultant is $62,270, according to Glassdoor. 

To land a job in any of these positions, students must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology at the very least. These jobs provide a good starting point when deciding which path to follow after graduation. Regardless of where your interest lies, you can find a job that lines up with your specialized studies.

There are jobs to analyze natural disasters, the effects of pollution on the environment, and different chemical elemental reactions in the environment. There are also jobs focused on the private sector, such as oil or real estate development for a Geology major. 

Rest assured, with the increasing regulations put in place by different governments, jobs in the field of geology will always be in high demand.

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