Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers fall under the Life, Physical, and Social Science category in the U.S. occupational classification. Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers earn a median salary of $101,920 per year, ranking in the top 15% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +5.1% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly 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 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers earn?

The median annual wage for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers is $101,920. That puts geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers at #128 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. Pay at this level is well above the U.S. median household income, signaling sustained demand and meaningful credential requirements. 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 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers is +5.1%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 25K positions in 2024 to 26K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What education does my child need to become geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographer?

The standard path into geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers 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.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
  $101,110 median
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
  $100,580 median
• Atmospheric and Space Scientists
  $99,070 median
• Biological Scientists, All Other
  $98,920 median
• Hydrologists
  $96,600 median
• School Psychologists
  $95,990 median

Common questions parents ask about geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers