Career Explorer Science
Grows with AI
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.
Changing faster than most: more resilient than 32% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it high), and US jobs are projected to change by +3.6% by 2035, faster than average.
AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.
- Median pay (2025)
- $53,350
- Job growth to 2035
- +3.6%
- Openings a year
- 1,000
- People doing it (2025)
- 7,300
- Usual route in
- Associate's degree, then moderate on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Gather information from physical or electronic sources
- Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance
- Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipment
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Analyze environmental or geospatial data
- Maintain operational records
- Collect samples of products or materials
What the work looks like
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
- Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects
- Fewer of these jobs, as improved processes, software, and technology reduce the need for some technicians.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Life, physical, and social science technicians, all otherGrows with AI, Index 37, +4.4%
- Biological techniciansGrows with AI, Index 65, +7.4%
- Chemical techniciansGrows with AI, Index 51, +4.9%
- Food science techniciansGrows with AI, Index 52, +4.8%
Also known as: Geological Technician, Geotechnician, Materials Technician, Physical Science Technician, Core Inspector, Environmental Field Services Technician, Environmental Sampling Technician, Geological E-Logger.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.