Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
None
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers) work in a specialized scientific field that offers a blend of analytical, technical, and problem-solving work. National employment is 25,000, so this is a relatively focused profession rather than a very large workforce. The national median annual salary of $99,240 places this career in a high-earning tier among occupations that typically require a bachelor’s degree. Projected employment growth of 3.2% and about 2,000 annual openings indicate a steady flow of opportunities for new and experienced professionals. Success in this field relies on strong science, mathematics, and critical and analytical thinking, supported by skills in writing, reading, computers and information technology, and project management. Speaking, listening, leadership, and creativity and innovation also contribute to professional effectiveness. For people interested in scientific analysis and decision making with a solid earnings profile and defined skill path, this career can be a strong option. Related alternatives include physical scientists (all other), hydrologists, hydrologic technicians, soil and plant scientists, and food scientists and technologists.
The national median annual salary for geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers) is $99,240, providing strong earning potential with a typical education level of a bachelor’s degree. Salaries vary meaningfully by state and metro area. Among top states, median pay ranges from $86,410 in New York to $114,410 in Colorado, with California, Massachusetts, and Washington all above $100,000. At the metro level, salary differentials are even more pronounced. Median pay reaches $136,120 in the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area and $132,620 in the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV area. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA also stands out at $122,310, while New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH offer median salaries of $90,810 and $102,730, respectively. These figures show that geographic choice can significantly influence income potential within this occupation.
National employment for geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers) stands at 25,000, with projected employment growth of 3.2%. This indicates a measured expansion of the field rather than rapid change. About 2,000 annual openings are expected, which is a substantial number relative to the total employment level. This volume of openings suggests that opportunities may arise both from new positions and from turnover in existing roles. The consistent 3.2% growth rate listed for the top states and metros further reinforces the impression of stable demand across multiple regions. For students and job seekers, this combination of defined employment size, positive projected growth, and ongoing annual openings points to a career path with continuing prospects, though competition and conditions will vary by location. Those considering alternatives might also explore related occupations such as physical scientists (all other), hydrologists, hydrologic technicians, soil and plant scientists, or food scientists and technologists.
Location plays a major role in opportunity for geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers). Among states, California has the highest employment (3,350) and a median salary of $106,500, with an opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts and New York show smaller employment bases (420 and 600) but still solid opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, with median salaries of $108,210 and $86,410. Colorado and Washington combine strong median pay—$114,410 and $105,020—with opportunity scores in the mid-50s. At the metro level, several areas stand out. San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA has the highest opportunity score at 77.42 and the highest median salary at $136,120, though employment is 170. The New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ metro also scores highly (77.27) with 400 employed. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA, Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV, and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH all offer six-figure median pay and solid opportunity scores, giving candidates multiple strong geographic options to consider.
This occupation typically requires a bachelor’s degree, making it accessible to those completing a four-year college program. However, the skill profile is broad and demanding. Core capabilities include science and mathematics, which underpin the analytical and technical aspects of the work. Critical and analytical thinking, along with problem solving and decision making, are central to interpreting information and reaching sound conclusions. Writing and reading skills are important for documenting findings and understanding complex material, while computers and information technology support data-focused tasks. Speaking and listening help professionals communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, and leadership skills can become increasingly important as responsibilities grow. Creativity and innovation, along with project management, support designing and executing effective work plans. Together, these skills show that success in this career depends not just on completing a bachelor’s degree, but also on developing a strong mix of technical, analytical, communication, leadership, and organizational abilities.
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