Geology and Earth Science
Physical Sciences · federal classification: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Median earnings by degree level
| Degree | Median earnings | Typical range | Schools | Clear the bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | $59,905 | $53,346 to $66,864 | 152 | 99% |
| Master's Degree | $91,662 | $79,072 to $102,976 | 15 | 100% |
| Doctoral Degree | $97,886 | $97,886 to $100,332 | 5 | 100% |
"Clear the bar" is the share of programs whose graduates out-earn a typical high-school graduate (the federal earnings-premium test). Typical range is the 25th to 75th percentile of program medians.
Job outlook
Projected employment growth +2% (2024 to 2034), about 15,600 openings a year across the occupations this field commonly leads to.
| Occupation | Median pay | Growth | Openings/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $161,180 | +3.7% | 8,500 |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | $99,240 | +3.2% | 2,000 |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | $86,220 | +2.2% | 1,900 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $48,390 | +1.5% | 1,300 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,390 | +2.6% | 1,000 |
| Hydrologists | $92,060 | -0.1% | 500 |
Occupation pay and outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS wages, Employment Projections). A field maps to several occupations, and the same occupations serve many majors, so these are the jobs this major commonly leads to, not positions reserved for its graduates; the openings should not be added up across majors.
Earnings source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 2026-06-10), median earnings of graduates measured up to four years after completing. Figures describe past graduates and are never a promise. Method: methodology. Report an error.