Geological Technicians
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum.
About the profession
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
How to Get Started
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Jump to Learning Path →Video
Occupation on screen: Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians (O*NET 19-4043.00). Closed captions in English and Spanish. CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration)
Personality Fit
Based on the Geological Technicians role, here are the RIASEC personality types that tend to thrive in this career. While these alignments are common, individual success depends on motivation, skill development, and finding the right work environment.
Realistic
Hands-on, practical, technical work
Investigative
Research, analysis, problem-solving
Conventional
Organizing, detail-oriented, structured
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Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Junior Geological Technician → Associate Geological Technician → Senior Geological Technician → Lead Geological Technician
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
4
Levels
$109K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $34,160 - $52,808/year With equity/bonuses: $37,576 - $63,370 Top markets (SF/NYC): $39,284 - $63,370 Execute core tasks using Reading…
Skills used in this career
Click any skill to see how to learn it and what salary boost it gives
Day in Life
Junior vs Senior, daily schedule breakdown
9am, Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $23,912 - $47,527 Year 2-3: Junior level $52,808 - $67,882 Year 4-6: Mid level $67,882 - $73,599 Year 7-10: Senior level $73,599 - $94,608 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
15 questions, answer honestly
You find the craft of a Geological Technician genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Reading Comprehension and Critical Thinking You communicate clearly…
💰 Salary Range
BLS OEWS, May 2023Half of U.S. workers in this occupation earn more than this, half earn less.
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Related Reading
Related Holland / RIASEC Types