Geologists study natural aspects of the Earth, including dirt, rocks and water.
Geologists earn a wide variety of salaries based on numerous factors. A scientist's level of education can affect her earnings, although the industry chosen by a geologist may more significantly impact her salary. The number of years in the field affects geologists' earnings as much or more than any other factor, with strong data showing increased earnings for higher experience levels.
Experience
Earnings data shows that more experienced geoscientists earn more money than less experienced peers. The University of Tennessee's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences provides salary data to aspiring geologists showing that a scientist's earnings can more than double over the course of her career. For example, a new geologist just out of school may earn between $25,000 and $60,000 a year. However, after the geologist works in the field for 10 years, she can earn between $60,000 and $90,000. With 20 years of experience, the geologist may make between $80,000 and $120,000 per year.
Industry
The petroleum and gas industry pays salaries vastly superior to those in other industries. A 2009 salary survey conducted by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists emphasizes the salary gap between petroleum geologists and those working in other fields. Starting petroleum geologists can earn $99,800 per year, far higher than the $79,160 median annual salary for all geoscientists as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Petroleum geologists with 10 to 14 years of experience can make between $160,700 and $102,500. Top petroleum geologists can earn up to $600,000 a year.
Education Level
The American Geological Institute reports on the impact of a geologist's education level on his earnings. New geologists holding a bachelor's degree earn an average starting salary of $31,366. Geologists earning a master's degree earn almost 50 percent more, with average earnings of $46,873. Geologists recently earning a doctorate degree in geology make an average salary of $72,600.
Job Prospects
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18 percent job growth for geoscientists between 2008 and 2018. The bureau anticipates that a large number of older geoscientists will retire during this decade, possibly resulting in jobs with no qualified applicants to fill them. The bureau projects strong employment opportunities for geologists offering consulting services or willing to work in the oil and gas industry. However, those seeking academic jobs will face stiffer competition.
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