# Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

> Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 19-4043.00
- **Summary:** Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

## Aliases

- Geological Technician
- Geotechnician
- Materials Technician
- Physical Science Technician
- Core Inspector
- Environmental Field Services Technician
- Environmental Sampling Technician
- Geological E-Logger
- Geoscience Technician
- Soils Technician
- Acid Tester
- Chalk Tester

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment. | Core | 4.A.2.a.4.a |
| Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.b |
| Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections. | Core | 4.A.2.b.2.o |
| Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.3.i |
| Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.b.4.a |
| Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.h |
| Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis. | Core | 4.A.2.a.4.a |
| Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.d |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Analyze geological samples. | 4.A.2.a.4.a |
| Collect samples for analysis or testing. | 4.A.3.a.2.b |
| Record research or operational data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Prepare maps. | 4.A.2.b.2.o |
| Research geological features or processes. | 4.A.1.a.1.h |
| Analyze geological or geographical data. | 4.A.2.a.4.a |
| Calibrate scientific or technical equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Maintain laboratory or technical equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.c |
| Collect archival data. | 4.A.1.a.1.d |
| Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys. | 4.A.1.a.1.l |
| Compile geographic or related data. | 4.A.2.a.2.c |
| Operate laboratory or field equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.i |
| Supervise scientific or technical personnel. | 4.A.4.b.4.a |
| Set up laboratory or field equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| Direct technical activities or operations. | 4.A.4.b.4.e |
| Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment. | 4.A.3.b.6.e |
| Locate natural resources using geospatial or other environmental data. | 4.A.2.a.4.a |
| Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities. | 4.A.1.a.1.j |
| Direct natural resources extraction projects. | 4.A.4.b.4.i |
| Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists. | 4.A.4.a.2.b |
| Collect environmental data or samples. | 4.A.3.a.2.al |
| Collect geographical or geological field data. | 4.A.3.a.2.al |
| Compile environmental or climatological data. | 4.A.2.a.2.c |
| Survey land or properties. | 4.A.1.b.3.d |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.88 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.75 |
| Computers and Electronics | knowledge | 3.55 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.5 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.5 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.5 |
| Engineering and Technology | knowledge | 3.46 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.46 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.45 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.38 |
| Written Expression | ability | 3.38 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.38 |
| Writing | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3.25 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.25 |
| Chemistry | knowledge | 3.17 |
| Physics | knowledge | 3.14 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.12 |
| Geography | knowledge | 3.11 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Fluency of Ideas | ability | 2.88 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 2.88 |
| Mathematics | essential_skill | 2.75 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 2.75 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Access | Specialized Skill |
| Adobe Illustrator | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Database Software | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | yes |
| Adobe Illustrator | Graphics or photo imaging software | yes | no |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | no |
| ESRI ArcGIS software | Geographic information system | yes | no |
| Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | yes | no |
| Clark Labs IDRISI Andes | Map creation software | no | no |
| Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite | Graphics or photo imaging software | no | no |
| Database software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Dynamic Graphics EarthVision | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Geographic information system GIS software | Geographic information system | no | no |
| Geographic information system GIS systems | Geographic information system | no | no |
| Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS | Map creation software | no | no |
| Global positioning system GPS software | Mobile location based services software | no | no |
| Golden Software Surfer | Map creation software | no | no |
| Halliburton ProMAX | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| IHS Petra | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Inventory management systems | Inventory management software | no | no |
| Juniper Systems LandMark Mobile | Mobile location based services software | no | no |
| Landmark Graphics GeoGraphix | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Landmark SeisWorks | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE | Map creation software | no | no |
| Martin D Adamiker's TruFlite | Map creation software | no | no |
| Midland Valley 2DMove | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Parallel Geoscience SPW | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Petroleum Software Technologies | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| petroWEB Global Seismic Library | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports | Data base reporting software | no | no |
| Schlumberger GeoFrame | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Seismic Micro-Technology KINGDOM | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Surface III | Map creation software | no | no |
| Techsia Techlog | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| E-Mail | 4.66 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.51 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.49 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4.39 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.27 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.17 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.04 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.7 |
| Contact With Others | 3.59 |
| Time Pressure | 3.52 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.5 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 3.46 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.32 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 3.28 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.21 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.21 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.2 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 3.09 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.02 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3 |
| Level of Competition | 2.91 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 2.83 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.75 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 2.75 |
| Spend Time Standing | 2.75 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 2.73 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 2.68 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.67 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 2.55 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 2.54 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.54 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 2.5 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 2.45 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.41 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.3 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 2.29 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.21 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.17 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.12 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 4
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- **Experience:** A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- **Svp Range:** (7.0 to < 8.0)

### Education Distribution


## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 5.81 |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 5.6 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 5.34 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 5.18 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 3.78 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 3.58 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 3.56 |
| Nature/Outdoors | specific_interest_area | 2.74 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.57 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 2.48 |
| Information Technology | specific_interest_area | 2.3 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.14 |
| Office Work | specific_interest_area | 2.03 |
| Intellectual Curiosity | work_style | 1.93 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 1.8 |
| Integrity | work_style | 1.7 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 19-4044.00 | role-19-4044-00 | Hydrologic Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 17-3031.00 | role-17-3031-00 | Surveying and Mapping Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 17-1022.01 | role-17-1022-01 | Geodetic Surveyors | Primary-Short |
| 19-4042.00 | role-19-4042-00 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | Primary-Short |
| 17-3028.00 | role-17-3028-00 | Calibration Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 17-3025.00 | role-17-3025-00 | Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 19-4031.00 | role-19-4031-00 | Chemical Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 19-2099.01 | role-19-2099-01 | Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | Primary-Long |
| 17-3027.00 | role-17-3027-00 | Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 19-4099.03 | role-19-4099-03 | Remote Sensing Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 19-2042.00 | role-19-2042-00 | Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | Supplemental |
| 17-2171.00 | role-17-2171-00 | Petroleum Engineers | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Energy & Natural Resources | energy-natural-resources |
| Public Service & Safety | public-service-safety |

## Education Level

- **Category:** Associate's degree

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians | engineering-engineering-related-technologies-technicians |
| Physical Sciences | physical-sciences |
| Science Technologies/Technicians | science-technologies-technicians |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 48390
- **Mean Wage:** 58220
- **Pct10Wage:** 32830
- **Pct25Wage:** 39200
- **Pct75Wage:** 64470
- **Pct90Wage:** 92210
- **Employment:** 9710
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 5310 | 48330 | 7.83 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 3240 | 45480 | 89.71 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 2830 | 50960 | 38.87 |
| 541380 | 541380 | Testing Laboratories and Services | National industry | 740 | 43090 | 68.96 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 280 | 57880 | 0.35 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 180 | 53290 | 0.21 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 130 | 45950 | 0.28 |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 120 | 95470 | 0.68 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 110 | 63840 | 0.19 |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 60 | 83520 |  |
| 53 | 53 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Sector |  | 76620 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 3240 | 89.71 |
| 541380 | 541380 | Testing Laboratories and Services | National industry | 740 | 68.96 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 2830 | 38.87 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 5310 | 7.83 |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 120 | 0.68 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 280 | 0.35 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 130 | 0.28 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 180 | 0.21 |
- **Count:** 11

## Ai Signals


## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 50
- **Percentile:** 50
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 58 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 42 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 2

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.7317073170731707 | 58 | Moderate | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.1266905853753022 | 42 | Moderate | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.04878048780487805
- **Beta:** 0.3902439024390244
- **Gamma:** 0.7317073170731707

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis. | 0.01776844734582534 | 4.19 |
| Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems. | 0.007189545168831061 | 3.28 |
| Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment. | 0.002978525855658583 | 4.57 |
| Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment. | 0.002567694703153951 | 3.65 |
| Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information. | 0.0017460323981446867 | 3.57 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 1.5
- **Growth Percentile:** 36
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 1.3
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 20
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 9.8
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 10

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 29
- **Skills:** 39
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 36
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 169651a334297512