Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Occupation · SOC 19-4043.00
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.
Also called: 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
Job family: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Take this to your AI
A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch
/roles/role-19-4043-00/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- About average employment outlook (+1.5% by 2034)
- 1,300 openings/yr
- Moderate AI exposure
- Median pay $48,390/yr
50th-percentile task overlap — yet about 1,300 openings a year (+1.5% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) Moderate | 58th | 0.7 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) Moderate | 42nd | 0.1 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.0), with simple added tooling (β 0.4), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.7). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
How AI is actually used in this job
Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.
| Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis. | 1.8% | |
| Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems. | 0.7% | |
| Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment. | 0.3% | |
| Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment. | 0.3% | |
| Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information. | 0.2% |
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | About average · +1.5% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 1,300 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 9,800 → 10,000 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Tasks
All 30 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment. Core · importance 4.6
- Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis. Core · importance 4.5
- Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis. Core · importance 4.2
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections. Core · importance 4.1
- Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data. Supplemental · importance 4.0
- Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data. Supplemental · importance 4.0
- Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs. Core · importance 3.9
- Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data. Supplemental · importance 3.8
- Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas. Supplemental · importance 3.8
- Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis. Core · importance 3.8
- Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices. Core · importance 3.7
- Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting. Core · importance 3.7
- Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment. Supplemental · importance 3.6
- Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information. Core · importance 3.6
- Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments. Supplemental · importance 3.6
- Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases. Core · importance 3.5
- Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations. Supplemental · importance 3.3
- Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems. Core · importance 3.3
- Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials. Supplemental · importance 3.2
- Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas. Supplemental · importance 3.2
- Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions. Supplemental · importance 2.9
- Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices. Supplemental · importance 2.6
- Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation. Supplemental · importance 2.4
- Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.
- Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.
- Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.
- Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.
- Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.
- Develop and design packing materials and handling procedures for shipping of objects. Supplemental
- Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.
Work activities
- Analyze geological samples.
- Collect samples for analysis or testing.
- Record research or operational data.
- Prepare maps.
- Research geological features or processes.
- Analyze geological or geographical data.
- Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
- Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
- Collect archival data.
- Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
- Compile geographic or related data.
- Operate laboratory or field equipment.
- Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
- Set up laboratory or field equipment.
- Direct technical activities or operations.
- Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.
- Locate natural resources using geospatial or other environmental data.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
- Direct natural resources extraction projects.
- Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
- Collect environmental data or samples.
- Collect geographical or geological field data.
- Compile environmental or climatological data.
- Survey land or properties.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Abilities
| Written Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Oral Comprehension | 3.8 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.5 | |
| Near Vision | 3.5 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.4 | |
| Written Expression | 3.4 | |
| Inductive Reasoning | 3.4 | |
| Deductive Reasoning | 3.3 | |
| Category Flexibility | 3.3 | |
| Speech Clarity | 3.3 | |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.1 | |
| Speech Recognition | 3.1 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 3.0 | |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.0 | |
| Selective Attention | 3.0 | |
| Far Vision | 3.0 | |
| Fluency of Ideas | 2.9 | |
| Visual Color Discrimination | 2.9 |
Essential skills
| Reading Comprehension | 3.8 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.5 | |
| Writing | 3.3 | |
| Monitoring | 3.3 | |
| Active Listening | 3.1 | |
| Speaking | 3.0 | |
| Mathematics | 2.8 | |
| Active Learning | 2.8 |
Knowledge
| Computers and Electronics | 3.5 | |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.5 | |
| Mathematics | 3.5 | |
| English Language | 3.5 | |
| Chemistry | 3.2 | |
| Physics | 3.1 | |
| Geography | 3.1 |
Transferable skills
| Time Management | 3.3 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 | |
| Coordination | 3.0 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.0 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Tools & technology
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 4 — Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Typical entry-level education
- Associate's degree · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related 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.
- Preparation level
- SVP (7.0 to < 8.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians , Physical Sciences , Science Technologies/Technicians . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Interest areas
| Physical Science | 5.8 | |
| Engineering | 3.8 | |
| Mechanics/Electronics | 3.6 | |
| Mathematics/Statistics | 3.6 | |
| Nature/Outdoors | 2.7 | |
| Physical/Manual Labor | 2.5 | |
| Information Technology | 2.3 | |
| Office Work | 2.0 | |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | 1.8 |
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Realistic | 5.6 | |
| Conventional | 5.3 | |
| Investigative | 5.2 |
Work styles
| Attention to Detail | 2.6 | |
| Dependability | 2.1 | |
| Intellectual Curiosity | 1.9 | |
| Integrity | 1.7 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $32,830 |
| 25th percentile | $39,200 |
| Median (50th) | $48,390 |
| 75th percentile | $64,470 |
| 90th percentile | $92,210 |
| People employed | 9,710 |
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 5,310 | $48,330 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction · Sector | 3,240 | $45,480 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 2,830 | $50,960 |
| Testing Laboratories and Services · National industry | 740 | $43,090 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 280 | $57,880 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 180 | $53,290 |
| Transportation and Warehousing · Sector | 130 | $45,950 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 120 | $95,470 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services · Sector | 110 | $63,840 |
| Utilities · Sector | 60 | $83,520 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing · Sector | — | $76,620 |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction · Sector | 89.71× | 3,240 |
| Testing Laboratories and Services · National industry | 68.96× | 740 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 38.87× | 2,830 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 7.83× | 5,310 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 0.68× | 120 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 0.35× | 280 |
| Transportation and Warehousing · Sector | 0.28× | 130 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 0.21× | 180 |
Related occupations
Part of the Energy & Natural Resources and Public Service & Safety career clusters.
- Hydrologic Technicians · 19-4044.00 Compare →
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians · 17-3031.00 Compare →
- Geodetic Surveyors · 17-1022.01 Compare →
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health · 19-4042.00 Compare →
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians · 17-3028.00 Compare →
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians · 17-3025.00 Compare →
- Chemical Technicians · 19-4031.00 Compare →
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists · 19-2099.01 Compare →
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians · 17-3027.00 Compare →
- Remote Sensing Technicians · 19-4099.03 Compare →
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers · 19-2042.00 Compare →
- Petroleum Engineers · 17-2171.00 Compare →
Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- Associate's degree · typical entry level
- Job zone 4 — Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians · field of study
- Physical Sciences · field of study
Zoom out
See where this work sits in the bigger picture.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians show 50th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 1,300 annual U.S. openings
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians rank in the 50th percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 1,300 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be about average (+1.5%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $48,390, across about 9,710 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians show 50th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 1,300 annual U.S. openings • Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians rank in the 50th percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 1,300 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be about average (+1.5%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $48,390, across about 9,710 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) Source: Singulariki — "Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4043-00 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4043-00
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4043-00
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-19-4043-00,
title = {Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4043-00}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.