Jobs Outlook
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