How long does the training take?

Typically about two years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

Do you need a degree for this work?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train for this work?

529 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians: pay, training and the programs that lead there

Science · SOC 19-4043

$53,350US median pay, 2025

+3.6%Projected growth, 2025–35

1,000Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Associate's degree
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Work in: geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Geology/Earth Science, General	CIP 40.0601	441
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other	CIP 41.9999	55
Petroleum Technology/Technician	CIP 15.0903	28
Science Technologies/Technicians, General	CIP 41.0000	15
Chemical Process Technology	CIP 41.0303	8
Mining Technology/Technician	CIP 15.0901	3
Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians, Other	CIP 15.0999	1
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other	CIP 41.0399	1

See the 529 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does the training take?: Typically about two years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians make?: The US median is $53,350 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree for this work?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train for this work?: 529 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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