10 Careers To Pursue With a Geology Degree

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Updated June 6, 2025

Geologists study the structure and processes of the land. Studying the field of geology can qualify you for many types of geology positions. Many of the skills learned in a geology program can easily transfer into relatable industries. In this article, we discuss a few of the skills learned in a geology program, as well as a list of available geology careers.

What is a geologist?

A geologist is primarily focused on the study of the land. They may conduct research to test land changes, while using this information to make recommendations for building, preventing natural disasters, removing pollution or importing resources.An education in geology trains students for a diverse career with opportunities to pursue many different positions. While most educational programs in geology do not prepare students for a specific career, it does give them the base skills they need to pursue further education or a related career.Geology students learn how to gather and analyze data, as well as identify problems and come up with solutions with that available data. They gain hands-on experience with different software programs and learn to make mathematical calculations. Many geology classes also help students further develop important skills like communication, both oral and written. Geologists often work closely with teams, so learning effective teamwork and project-solving skills are also helpful.Related: Teamwork Skills: Definition and Example

Typical career paths in geology

Because an educational degree in geology provides students with a diverse education, there are also many career paths that someone interested in geology can pursue. Some careers may require additional education, including an MA or Ph.D. Other careers can be obtained with a BA. Many geologists work with fuel or petroleum, but there are other industries in which a geologist can work.Here are a few options:

Academics: Some geology students may choose to work in an academic setting, teaching their geology knowledge to aspiring geologists. Geology teachers can work with students of different ages and career interests.
Corporate: Corporate positions include roles working with large oil distributors or natural gas suppliers. Corporate geologists may work in a direct position, testing and measuring land, or indirect, working with computer programs. Corporate jobs could also include positions in the mining industry, assessing resources on-site, or remediation of land to meet regulations.
Government: Government geologists may work in national parks or with a natural science museum, usually in a consultant or educational role. They may also be responsible for making recommendations when measuring land risks, like volcanoes or hurricanes, or in the rebuilding following a natural disaster.
Nonprofit: Geologists who work in a nonprofit position will often work in a research position, evaluating sites and providing recommendations for improvement. They are also often involved in building community awareness too.

Careers in geology

Here are a few careers to consider in geology:

1. Environmental field technician

National average salary: $50,630 per yearPrimary duties: Environmental field technicians are involved in the research, and improvement of soil. Their may focus is to monitor and identify risk and improve the air and water pollution. They will often work in teams, either gathering data directly from the field or in a lab, interpreting the data. They may also work in a consultant role, using their lab results to make recommendations for pollution improvement.Related: 20 Green Careers for the Environmentally Conscious

2. Science teacher

National average salary: $54,810 per yearPrimary duties: Science teachers educate students who are pursuing careers in environmental or geologist fields. They may work at the middle or high school academic levels, or in a college or university setting. They may educate students in an instructional, classroom setting, as well as assisting them in conducting research in a lab setting. They create lesson plans and test students on knowledge.Related: How to Become a Science Teacher

3. Surveyor

National average salary: $73,189 per yearPrimary duties: Geologists can also work in a surveying role, using geophysical techniques to analyze land conditions. They may use this information to consult private or government organizations on safe, environmental practices for building a new property or developing land.

4. Environmental geologist

National average salary: $66,796 per yearPrimary duties: An environmental geologist works in the field, studying and interpreting data related to pollution, waste management and natural disasters. They may also help identify new landfill locations or how to safely dispose of coal ash. Environmental geologists are primarily focused on the interaction of humans and land, including how they contribute to pollution and air quality.Related: 50 of the Best Outdoor Jobs

5. Environmental consultant

National average salary: $72,774 per yearPrimary duties: Environmental consultants provide guidance to different industries using their geological skills. They may offer guidance on how to handle dangerous land waste or identifying a safe location for a power plant. They will often conduct research and then provide the company with a detailed analysis and report.

6. Geotechnical engineer

National average salary: $75,282 per yearPrimary duties: Geotechnical engineers have specialized skills in rock and soil stability, as well as man-made land developments. They may be involved in designing and constructing new roads, dams, buildings or dikes, helping their teams solve problems with rock mechanics and geomorphology. They may often work on teams with other engineers, including civil engineers.

7. Sustainability engineer

National average salary: $97,703 per yearPrimary duties: Sustainability engineers are focused on preserving the condition of the planet for future generations. They are also often referred to as green engineers because they primarily focus on the condition of the environment and identifying methods to reduce environmental waste.

8. Mining engineer

National average salary: $96,239 per yearPrimary duties: Mining engineers work specifically in, and around, mines. They use their background in land structures to help with designing and implementing mines, as well as the development of mine tunnels. They specifically work with resources like metal and coal, finding more efficient methods to extract natural resources. Mining engineers may also assist with locating new mine locations.

9. Geophysicist

National average salary: $87,539 per yearPrimary duties: Geophysicists are focused on the study of the planet, including the atmosphere and planets. They may also work in earthquake-prone areas to develop safe structures and roads. Some geophysicists may also work in the mining industry.

10. Research scientist

National average salary: $95,565 per yearPrimary duties: Research scientists work in a lab, analyzing and interpreting data from the field. They may conduct experiments to assist governmental or oil organizations in developing new protocols to improve safety. Some research scientists may also work on a team, identifying the best testing methods to use to ensure reliable and valid results. They may also oversee research assignments.

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