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 $99,240 per year, ranking in the top 14% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +3.2% job growth through 2034, 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 $99,240. That puts geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers at #114 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. 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 +3.2%, 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 do geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers do every day?

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

1. 1.Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
2. 2.Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
3. 3.Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
4. 4.Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.
5. 5.Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
6. 6.Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
7. 7.Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
8. 8.Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.

Top skills for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

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 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.

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Common questions parents ask about geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers