The job and salary outlook for well-trained geologists who excel in their undergraduate career is exceptional.

Current Market Situation:

• Oil, natural gas, and precious metal prices have been climbing over the past few decades, driving up demand for new resources.
• Environmental concerns and the need for "green" technology have increased the demand for geologists, especially in the fields of hydrology, hydrogeology, and environmental geology.
• Scores of geologists that were trained and hired in the '70s during the oil boom are retiring.
• There are not enough geologists in the "pipeline" to replace those who are retiring or meet the growing needs for new geologists.
• Salaries for new geologists (with a BS), especially in the petroleum industry, are averaging about $80,000. Currently there is virtually no unemployment.

Websites to visit

• High Demand for Current Geoscience Graduates (podcast)
  
• Geoscientists in High Demend in the Oil Industry
  
• In the Geosciences, Business Is Booming
  
• Geologists Unearth Big-Time Offers
  
• Miners Top MBAs as Metal Boom Makes Geologists Scarce
  
• What Can I Do With a Career in Geology?
  
• Geology jobs and salary information
  
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008–2009 (geosciences) This includes geology, mining, and petroleum industry
  
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008–2009 (environmental science and hydrogeology) This includes groundwater, hydrology, and environmental geology—all jobs which require geology training.
  
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008–2009 (surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying and mapping technicians) Some geologists end up with careers in these fields. All these professions require some geological training.
  
• Geologist Shortage Is Worsening
  
• Energy Companies Help KU Combat Geologist Shortage
  
• Guide to Career Education in the field of Geology