Geotechnicians select and prepare instruments for geological surveying.
Geotechnicians work in the geology field, helping scientists collect and analyze geospatial information. Because mapping geological sites requires strong knowledge of mathematics and computer technologies, employers look for candidates with excellent problem-solving, scientific and technical skills. Although they act as assistants to geologists, geotechnicians must be able to prioritize their work and perform tasks without direct supervision. The average salary for surveying and mapping technicians, which include geotechnicians, was $40,370 according to a May 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics report.
Function and Average Salary
Although the average salary for geotechnicians and other surveying technicians is just under $41,000, annual wages for this role range from as low as $23,450 to as high as $60,870 per year. Geotechnicians are paid measure the contour, shape, location and elevation of land masses and features. Their duties range from collecting water, rock and soil samples, to conducting experiments and analyzing test results. Geotechnicians use instruments such as hand and measuring tools to search for oil and gas deposits, and they prepare geological maps. These professionals also analyze seismic survey and record oil well- and borehole-drilling activities.
Geography
Average salaries for geotechnicians working in the U.S. ranged significantly across major metropolitan cities. A July 2011 SalaryExpert report showed that geotechnicians employed in Miami averaged $32,317 per year. However, geotechnicians working in Los Angeles averaged an annual wage of $65,008. Likewise, professionals in Houston reported an average salary of $65,040. In Charlotte, geotechnicians reported an average salary of $52,100 per year. Professionals also averaged $43,347 in Chicago, $45,036 in Atlanta and $49,749 in New York City.
Benefits
Similar to other occupations, geotechnicians received employee benefits such as bonuses, vacation time and health insurance. Geotechnicians received an average bonus of $3,558, according to Salary Expert. However, average bonuses ranged from as low as $2,407 to as high as $4,618. Moreover, employee benefits for geotechnicians averaged approximately $8,321 per year. Employee benefits ranged from $5,628 to as high as $10,800 annually.
Potential
According to the BLS, jobs are projected to increase 19 percent for surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying and mapping technicians through the year 2018. As an employee in the geology field, geotechnicians should find ample employment opportunities within construction firms that use geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) technologies to build infrastructure such as roads, bridges, sewage systems, mining sites and power grids. Also, geotechnicians will need to replace professionals who are retiring or transitioning to other sectors. Geotechnicians with a college education and proficiency in geographic mapping systems should have the best job prospects during the 2008 to 2018 decade.
Tags: average salary, from high, geology field, geotechnicians working, mapping technicians, range from, ranged from