Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
SOC Code: 19-2042
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $99,240 and +3.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 25,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers (SOC 19-2042) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 25,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $99,240, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
- 2. Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- 3. Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
- 4. Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
- 5. Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
- 6. Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
- 7. Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
- 8. Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
- 9. Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.
- 10. Provide advice on the safe siting of new nuclear reactor projects or methods of nuclear waste management.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Geography
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Biology
- Law and Government
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers?
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers is projected to grow by 3.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 25,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers?
Key skills for Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers include Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Science, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers earn?
The median annual wage for Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers is $99,240, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers?
The typical entry-level education for Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers?
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).