Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians fall under the Life, Physical, and Social Science category in the U.S. occupational classification. Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians earn a median salary of $48,390 per year, ranking in the top 68% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.5% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians earn?

The median annual wage for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians is $48,390. That puts geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians at #549 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians is +1.5%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 9K positions in 2024 to 10K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
2. 2.Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
3. 3.Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
4. 4.Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
5. 5.Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
6. 6.Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
7. 7.Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
8. 8.Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.

Top skills for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become geological technicians, except hydrologic technician?

The standard path into geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

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Common questions parents ask about geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians