What Does a Paleontologist Do? And How To Become One

Written by

Updated June 6, 2025

Video: A Day in the Life of a Paleontologist (Plus SALARY & Budget Breakdown 💵)

Dig into the world of paleontology 🦕 Spend a day in the life with Russell as he shares the ins-and-outs of his career. He'll also share his real salary and insights into how he budgets monthly.

If fossils and geological history fascinate you, you could pursue a career in paleontology. This field involves using science and research to investigate the natural environment and develop a greater understanding of the past through fossils. Understanding more about this career, like the skills and education it requires, could help you decide if you want to pursue it professionally.In this article, we define what a paleontologist does, discuss the salary, requirements and skills associated with the career, share where these individuals work, outline how to become a paleontologist and suggest some tips to help you pursue the profession effectively.

What does a paleontologist do?

A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils and contributes to research on their historical, sociological and archeological impacts. These individuals often specialize in a specific era or type of fossil, which may influence some of their typical tasks. Common responsibilities include:

Conducting research on possible and probable locations for undiscovered fossils
Attending digs to excavate fossils and other samples
Reviewing collected items in a lab and performing a variety of tests to identify markers such as age and species
Comparing findings to that of their colleagues, either in an educational or museum setting or through published articles
Writing and publishing hypotheses and other significant developments based on their collections and lab testing

Related: 13 Paleontologist Jobs To Explore (With Responsibilities)

Salary for paleontologists

Salaries for paleontologists often depend on their level of education and years of experience. Since paleontologists can work for a variety of organizations, including gas and oil companies, educational institutes and museums, their employment type and their employer's funding may also affect their salary. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), geoscientists, including paleontologists, earn a median annual salary of $83,780 per year. Salaries range from about $48,880 to $172,490.Read more: How Much Does a Paleontologist Make? (Plus Skills and FAQs)

Paleontologist educational requirements

This career path often requires a combination of the following:

Doctorate degree

Paleontology typically requires a doctorate degree in the field, especially for positions like a professor or researcher. A doctorate degree provides paleontologists with a thorough yet specialized educational background in history, geology, biology and chemistry, enabling them to study samples and their effects. In these programs, students spend four years or more studying paleontology and other relevant coursework, conducting research, completing fieldwork, teaching and writing a thesis or dissertation on their specialization.Before pursuing a doctorate degree, aspiring paleontologists typically earn a bachelor's and a master's degree in a relevant discipline as well. These programs provide a broad foundation that prepares them for doctorate programs and a professional future.Related: What Can You Do With a Paleontology Degree? (With 10 Jobs To Consider)

On-the-job training

Paleontologists are likely to gain much of their training in fieldwork, research and writing while pursuing their education. Those who go into education are likely to gain experience as a graduate assistant, teaching assistant or even lead their own courses while pursuing graduate education. Paleontologists who want to work in a museum or research institution may employ their fieldwork and research assistant experience from their master's and doctorate programs as training for this type of work. Other paleontologists, such as those who work in the oil, gas or mining industries or as a consultant to government and private agencies, may use their experiences from their long educational career to be successful in those roles.

Professional organizations (optional)

Certifications and professional organization membership is voluntary for paleontologists, though belonging to professional organizations in their industry can demonstrate their passion for their work and their dedication to life-long learning. Some professional organizations include:

Paleontological Association

This organization is a nonprofit charity that aims to promote the study and profession of paleontology as well as encourage public interest in the relevance and impacts of the discipline. Membership provides access to industry research journals, publishing opportunities for paleontologists and conferences, meetings and seminars.

Paleontological Society

Another nonprofit organization, the Paleontological Society is a collection of student, practicing and retired paleontologists who host forums and seminars to promote the continued advances of the discipline. They also provide access to research journals and publishing opportunities, among other professional development resources.

Publications

Paleontologists often publish research projects and papers in reputable, peer-reviewed journals. Many employers may require publication to prove expertise. Published research could also indicate your specific areas of interest within the field.Related: How To List Publications on a Resume or CV (With Template)

Skills for paleontologists

These are the most helpful skills necessary for paleontologists:

Critical thinking

Paleontologists use problem-solving and analysis skills to review their excavated items and make or confirm educated hypotheses. They may also use critical thinking skills while applying research to identify probable locations for dig sites and organic artifacts. Related: 6 Main Types of Critical Thinking Skills (With Examples)

Research

A high level of reading comprehension helps paleontologists review, analyze and converse with published literature. They also use research skills such as data analysis and tools like historical narratives to understand how their findings impact overall paleontological knowledge and perspectives on the history of life on Earth.Related: How To Include Research Experience on Your Resume

Leadership skills

Paleontologists may serve in leadership roles, including as educators, researchers and field excavators. They often use their goal-setting and communication skills to plan an efficient project and delegate tasks accordingly. They may also employ organizational skills during this process to delegate tasks accordingly and to ensure that project is achievable with the correct resources.Related: How To Improve Your Leadership Skills: Steps and Tips

Technological proficiency

These individuals are likely to use the most updated technological equipment while on digging sites, performing tests and reviewing organic artifacts. They also use computer software, such as word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software to write reports, analyze and organize data as well as create an engaging overview of their findings to share with other paleontologists, researchers, curators, students and interested parties.

Where do paleontologists work?

Paleontologists can work in a variety of industries and settings, including:

Private businesses in the corporate sector
Higher education institutions
Museums
Government agencies
Research facilities

The work environment for paleontologists can vary depending on area of focus and employer. Those who complete fieldwork may travel to their dig site and perform excavation, collection and cataloging duties. They often conduct this experience outdoors, though the review and testing process is likely to occur in a lab setting. Paleontologists who focus more on curation, education and internal research may experience less fieldwork. They typically interact with patrons, students or other interested parties in a classroom or museum setting.Related: How To Find Jobs in Museums in 5 Steps

How to become a paleontologist

These are the common steps in pursuing this career path:

1. Complete a bachelor's degree

To progress to a doctorate degree, first obtain an undergraduate education. You can pursue a wide variety of disciplines, but coursework in hard sciences such as biology, chemistry and geology can prepare you for future coursework and fieldwork. Future paleontologists may also choose to major in or take courses in history, sociology, anthropology or liberal arts and social sciences. Full-time study in a bachelor's degree program takes about four years.Related: Physical Sciences Majors: Definition, Types and Related Jobs

2. Earn a master's degree in a specialized field

This step further builds on the foundation earned in undergraduate studies but allows for more research opportunities and advanced and specialized coursework. Consider earning a master's degree in paleontology or another related discipline, such as geology, archeology or biology. While pursuing this degree, you can build experience through internships or opportunities in fieldwork, research or teaching. A master's degree in paleontology usually takes two or three years to earn.Related: Jobs Involving Dinosaurs and How To Become a Paleontologist

3. Pursue a doctorate degree in paleontology

Apply your undergraduate and postgraduate experiences to the further advanced coursework, in-depth analysis and research opportunities offered in a doctorate program. Consider choosing one that allows you to learn from leading paleontologists in your specialty or academic interest. This degree path usually takes about four to six years to finish.

4. Gain relevant experience

While in your doctorate program, take advantage of research and fieldwork opportunities to gain practical application of your studies in addition to valuable experience to put on your resume. If you're curious about working for a university, museum or another educational institute, consider volunteer or entry-level opportunities in education or museum curation.

5. Consider publishing research

Many employers may require you to have completed a relevant dissertation in addition to having it or another academic piece published by a peer-reviewed, paleontological journal. Seek opportunities to publish your studies in reputable publications. While earning your degree, professors and mentors may help you learn where to submit and how to gain publication credits.

Paleontologist job description example

Here's an example of a job description for a paleontologist job with a fictional company:The Archeology and Paleontology Museum is currently seeking an experienced and passionate paleontologist to join our staff of curators and educators. This role works alongside current educators in creating engaging tours and brief lessons to demonstrate at various exhibits in the museum. They're also responsible for evaluating and maintaining exhibits, performing research and consulting with other paleontologists connected to our museum.A qualified candidate holds a doctorate in paleontology and has a keen interest in educating the public on relevant topics related to this discipline. Experience in a museum role or as a teacher is preferable. Those with previously published research or fieldwork are also welcome to apply. Skills such as public speaking, analysis and organization are important.

Related careers

Here are some relevant professions to pursue if you're interested in paleontology:

 

The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers

 

Archaeologists

Share:

Related Articles

10 Careers To Pursue With a Geology Degree

Archaeologist vs. Anthropologist: What's the Difference?

8 Careers in Geoscience (Plus Salaries)

Explore more articles