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Boston Career Explorer

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Also called: Engineering Geologist, Environmental Protection Geologist, Exploration Geologist, Geologist, Geoscientist, Mine Geologist

Median pay in Greater Boston
$102,730
$49.39/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
240
Massachusetts 2024–2034
0.0%
20 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Bachelor's degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$77,330$80,640$102,730$143,210$179,480

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
  • Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
  • Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
  • Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
  • Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
  • Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Higher exposure67 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 64
  • Language-model AIOE 60
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 77

Observed AI use today: Some (Anthropic Economic Index)

Geoscientists have higher AI exposure, and observed AI use is still at a modest level. AI tools can help with reviewing reports, analyzing data with software, and preparing maps and charts. Fieldwork, sample collection, and drilling programs depend on being on site, and AI tools do not touch those.

Likely to change

  • Finding and reviewing research and technical reports
  • Analyzing data and drafting maps and reports

Still relies on people

  • Field surveys, sample collection, and drilling work
  • Teaching and presenting findings at conferences

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

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Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

12 programs near Boston (plus 15 graduate)

Related occupations

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