Career profile · 19-4043
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
What the work can involve
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
- Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
- Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
Selected core tasks from O*NET 31.0. Responsibilities vary by employer, specialization and experience.
Preparation and entry routes
This O*NET group commonly calls for substantial preparation, often including a bachelor’s degree or considerable relevant experience. An introductory vocational course alone may not provide an entry route.
Check the route for the specific occupation where you plan to work. Education, employer experience requirements, occupational licensing and industry certification can be separate steps.
Understand the different credentials →Skills used in this occupation
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Active Listening
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Knowledge to build
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Common work activities
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Processing Information
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Training subjects to investigate
The federal education-to-occupation crosswalk connects this role to the subjects below. These links do not endorse a school or guarantee that any particular award qualifies a graduate for the job.
Software used in the workplace
Use these O*NET examples to ask how a course builds practical digital skills. They are workplace examples, not a required shopping list or confirmation of a school’s curriculum.
- Analytical or scientific software: Halliburton ProMAX, IHS Petra, Landmark Graphics GeoGraphix, Landmark SeisWorks
- Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD, Dynamic Graphics EarthVision, Midland Valley 2DMove
- Data base reporting software: SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
- Data base user interface and query software: Database software, Microsoft Access
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software: SAP software
- Geographic information system: ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems
- Graphics or photo imaging software: Adobe Illustrator, Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Inventory management software: Inventory management systems
- Map creation software: Clark Labs IDRISI Andes, Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS, Golden Software Surfer, Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
- Mobile location based services software: Global positioning system GPS software, Juniper Systems LandMark Mobile
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software
Selected categories and examples from O*NET 31.0 Software Skills. Products and employer requirements change. These examples are not endorsements; check the complete official occupation profile.
Pay & employment outlook
Salary estimates for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians
The median divides workers into two equally sized groups by pay. It is not a starting salary, a school’s graduate outcome or a promise of employment. Lower percentiles are not automatically new graduates.
National outlook: 2025–2035
- Typical education for entry
- Associate's degree
- Related work experience
- None
- Typical on-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
BLS national employment projections, 2025–2035. Openings include people leaving occupations or the labor force; these are not advertised vacancies. Education categories describe typical entry, not legal eligibility or a guarantee that any specific program is sufficient.
Compare wages across 35 state/DC estimates
| State | Annual median | Hourly median | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $35,670 | $17.15 | Not published |
| Alaska | $76,090 | $36.58 | 70 |
| Arizona | $50,160 | $24.11 | Not published |
| Arkansas | $47,250 | $22.72 | 30 |
| California | $69,410 | $33.37 | 480 |
| Colorado | $61,780 | $29.70 | 90 |
| Florida | $49,980 | $24.03 | 300 |
| Georgia | $34,710 | $16.69 | 30 |
| Idaho | $46,680 | $22.44 | 70 |
| Illinois | $53,280 | $25.62 | 80 |
| Indiana | $79,290 | $38.12 | Not published |
| Kansas | $52,430 | $25.21 | Not published |
| Kentucky | $49,840 | $23.96 | 60 |
| Louisiana | $59,120 | $28.42 | 160 |
| Maryland | $102,090 | $49.08 | 30 |
| Massachusetts | $61,630 | $29.63 | 40 |
| Michigan | $58,860 | $28.30 | 150 |
| Montana | $55,520 | $26.69 | 100 |
| Nebraska | $63,160 | $30.37 | Not published |
| Nevada | $73,700 | $35.43 | 260 |
| New Mexico | $59,520 | $28.62 | Not published |
| New York | $57,150 | $27.48 | 280 |
| North Carolina | $48,090 | $23.12 | 250 |
| North Dakota | $51,240 | $24.64 | 90 |
| Ohio | $48,890 | $23.51 | 130 |
| Oklahoma | $46,890 | $22.54 | 410 |
| Oregon | $55,090 | $26.49 | 70 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,380 | $22.78 | 240 |
| South Carolina | $53,160 | $25.56 | 90 |
| Tennessee | $63,050 | $30.31 | 110 |
| Texas | $46,840 | $22.52 | 2,190 |
| Virginia | $59,290 | $28.50 | Not published |
| Washington | $63,910 | $30.73 | Not published |
| West Virginia | $69,350 | $33.34 | 60 |
| Wyoming | $63,070 | $30.32 | 90 |
Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan wages
Search the 44 published local-area estimates for this occupation. Metropolitan areas can cross state lines; a city’s postal name is not necessarily the statistical area’s name.
Sources: BLS May 2025 OEWS public downloads and 2025–2035 employment projections, retrieved September 9, 2026. Unpublished estimates stay unavailable. “+” means BLS’s upper reporting threshold ($239,200 annually or $115 hourly). Wages exclude self-employment and nonwage benefits. How to interpret these figures.
Compare the route and prepare for work
Questions to test the fit
- What does an entry-level working day look like, and how does it differ from the experienced role described here?
- Which tasks, work environments and schedules would I enjoy or find difficult?
- What education, supervised practice and credentials do local employers actually request?
- Can I speak with someone in the occupation or arrange a suitable workplace visit?
- How does the complete training cost compare with my realistic budget and available routes?
Related occupations to compare
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other→
- Gas Plant Operators→
- Non-Destructive Testing Specialists→
- Photonics Technicians→
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas→
Related through shared training-subject mappings. Entry requirements can differ substantially.
Sources and attribution
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. Trade School Guides selects and organizes the material and adds explanatory guidance. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. Occupation code: 19-4043.00.
Training connections: CIP 2020–SOC 2018 crosswalk. Snapshot: September 8, 2026. See the methodology.