Career Trends: Geological and Hydrologic Technicians

Geological and petroleum technicians provide support to scientists and engineers in exploring and extracting natural resources, such as minerals, oil, and natural gas.

Geological and petroleum technicians work in offices, laboratories, and the field. Most geological and petroleum technicians work full time.

Geological and petroleum technicians typically need an associate’s degree or 2 years of postsecondary training in applied science or a science-related technology. Some jobs may require a bachelor’s degree. Geological and petroleum technicians also receive on-the-job training.

Employment of geological and petroleum technicians is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Strong demand for natural gas is expected to increase demand for geological exploration and extraction in the future.

This occupation supported 15,800 jobs in 2012 and 16,500 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 4.4%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 15.2% in 2022 to 18,200 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 16,200, compared with an observed value of 16,500, 1.9% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 12.7% in 2024 to 18,500 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 18,600 jobs for 2024, 0.5% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.