Trades
Geological Technicians

Geological Tech

Geological technicians assist geologists in the search for natural resources
Geological Tech
Why Should You Consider This Career?

Explore the unexplored outdoors. Use cool measurement tools to see below the earths crust.

TYPICAL SALARY
$80k
That's $3,300 per bi-weekly paycheck
CAREER OUTLOOK
Growing
That's 2000 new jobs in Utah per year (30% growth)
Less Physical                                         More Physical
—————|————
Less Training                                          More Training
—————|————
More Structure                                     Less Structure
—————|————
ALTERNATIVE JOB TITLES:
Core Inspector, Environmental Field Services Technician, Environmental Sampling Technician, Geological E-Logger, Geological Technician, Geoscience Technician, Geotechnician, Materials Technician, Physical Science Technician, Soils Technician

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.

At A Glance in US
2028 JOB GROWTH
Wage loader
398,000 (35%)
SALARY RANGE
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AVG. JOBS / YEAR
398,000 (35%)
TIME TO JOURNEYMAN
398,000 (35%)
ALTERNATIVE JOB TITLES:
Core Inspector, Environmental Field Services Technician, Environmental Sampling Technician, Geological E-Logger, Geological Technician, Geoscience Technician, Geotechnician, Materials Technician, Physical Science Technician, Soils Technician
A Typical Day Icon

Your Typical Day:

  • Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
  • Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
  • Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
  • Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
  • Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
  • Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
  • Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.
  • Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
  • Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.
  • Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.
wage icon

Wages in the US:

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$
52.5
Per Hour Base Income
$TBD
Total Compensation
Your Responsibilities Icon

Your Responsibilities

  • Analyze geological samples.
  • Collect samples for analysis or testing.
  • Record research or operational data.
  • Prepare maps.
  • Operate laboratory or field equipment.
  • Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
  • Research geological features or processes.
  • Direct technical activities or operations.
  • Set up laboratory or field equipment.
  • Analyze geological or geographical data.
Your Knowledge Icon

Knowledge You Will Learn

  • Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. 64/100

  • Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 62/100

  • Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 62/100

  • English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 61/100

  • Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. 54/100

  • Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes. 54/100

  • Geography

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life. 53/100

  • Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 41/100

  • Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 39/100

  • Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 39/100

Tools of the Trade Icon

Tools of the Trade

  • Soil core sampling apparatus
  • Laboratory crushers or pulverizers
  • Magnetometer geophysical instruments
  • Spectrophotometers
  • Geological compasses
  • Levels
  • Dropping pipettes
  • Theodolites
  • Laboratory flasks
  • Height gauges
  • Conductivity meters
  • Drying cabinets or ovens
  • Scanning electron microscopes
  • Pneumatic rock drills
  • Glass crucibles
  • Radarbased surveillance systems
  • Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters
  • Electronic toploading balances
  • Robotic or automated liquid handling systems
  • Still cameras
  • Inductively coupled plasma ICP spectrometers
  • Laboratory sifting equipment
  • Peristaltic pumps
  • Measuring rods
  • Laboratory balances
  • Hammers
  • Bi distillation units
  • Fluorescent microscopes
  • Test sieves
  • Notebook computers
  • Rangefinders
  • pH meters
  • Gas chromatographs
  • Laboratory beakers
  • Sulfur dioxide analyzers or detectors
  • Distance meters
  • Salinity meter
  • Magnifiers
  • Rock cutters
  • X ray diffraction equipment
  • Hydrometers
  • Laboratory bailers
  • Picks
  • Laboratory graduated cylinders
  • Organic carbon analyzers
  • Portable data input terminals
  • Polarizing microscopes
  • Seismic recorders or seismographs
  • Magnetic stirrers
  • Extracting equipment for laboratories
  • High pressure liquid chromatograph chromatography
  • Single gas monitors
  • Binoculars
  • Pressure sensors
  • Infrared spectrometers
  • Scientific calculator
  • Laboratory burets
  • Gravimeters
  • Multi gas monitors
  • Global positioning system GPS receiver
  • Map measurers
  • Augers
  • Laboratory funnels
  • Darkfield microscopes
  • Clinometers
  • Laboratory vacuum pumps
  • Calorimeters
  • Dissolved oxygen meters
  • Mass spectrometers
  • Digital cameras
  • Jaw crushers
  • Turbidimeters
  • Desktop computers
  • Personal computers
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