Some geology careers study the earth and its physical properties.
Geology careers study the earth's atmosphere and what the earth is made of, including the earth's natural resources. Various types of scientists, engineers and technicians are employed in geology-related careers. Salaries within this field depend upon various factors, such as the type of position, rank, education, experience and overall difficulty of assignments.
Atmospheric Scientists
An atmospheric scientist studies the atmosphere and how it effects our environment. Atmospheric Scientists include meteorologists and climatologists.
According to the BLS May 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey Program, atmospheric and space scientists earned a national average rate of $39.46 per hour and a national average salary of $82,080 per year. The median salary was $81,290.
Geoscientists
Geoscientists study Earth's physical characteristics. According to the BLS, 23 percent of all geoscientists are employed within the government. Geoscientists are comprised of subspecialties, including geologists, petroleum geologists, engineering geologists, mineralogists, sedimentologists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, volcanologists, glacial geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, geodesists, seismologists, geomagnetists and paleomagnetists.
According to the BLS May 2008 OES, geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers) earned national average rate of $42.93 per hour and an average salary of $89,300 per year. The median salary was $79,160.
Mining and Geological Engineers
Mining and geological engineers locate and plan the extraction of natural resources. This career can also be included under the geoscientists group.
According to the BLS May 2008 OES, the national average rate was $38.42 per hour and the national average salary was $79,910 per year. The median salary was $75,960.
Hydrologist
Hydrologists specialize in both underground and surface water. This career often falls under the all-encompassing career umbrella of geoscientists. Hydrologists include oceanographers.
According to the BLS May 2008 OES, hydrologists earned an average rate of $35.36 per hour and an average salary of $73,540 per year. The median salary was $71,450.
Soil Scientists
Soil scientists studies soil composition as it relates to plant and crop growth.
According to the BLS May 2008 OES, soil scientists earned a national rate of $30.82 per hour and an average salary of $64,110 per year. The median salary was $58,390.
Geological and Petroleum Technicians
Technicians assist geological scientists in the laboratory and during field work. This group includes geological sample test technicians and geophysical data technicians.
According to the BLS, geological and petroleum technicians earned a national average rate of $27.44 per hour and an average salary of $57,080 per year. The median salary was $53,360.
Geosciences Professor
A geosciences professor teaches college-level courses in earth sciences and geology. A professor may provide classroom instruction and conduct research in a laboratory.
According to Salary.com, a website that offers career advancement tools and resources, a professor of geological sciences earned a median salary of $85,805 per year, as of November 2009.
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