Salaries and Job Outlook
The American Geosciences Institute (2013) and US Bureau of Labor Statistics report the following median salaries and employment predictions for geoscience occupations:
| Geoscientists | $92,000 |
| Geoscience Postsecondary Teachers | $82,000 |
| Hydrologists | $76,000 |
| Petroleum Engineers | $132,000 |
| Atmospheric Scientists | $87,000 |
Employment of geoscientists is expected to increase by 21% from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations. Over the same time period, 145,000-202,000 unfilled geoscience jobs expected are nationally, based on anticipated job growth and current graduation rates. Employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, is expected to increase by 11%.
AGI Competitive Median Salaries Across Industry Sectors
AGI 2011 Median Salaries for Geoscience-related Occupations
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Geoscientists
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Atmospheric Scientists
Careers in the Geosciences
Careers in the Atmospheric Sciences
Recent Graduates
87% of ISU graduates in geology, Earth science, and meteorology over the last five years have either found jobs or continued as graduate students. Their job titles include Geologist, Well Site Geologist, Environmental Geologist, Instructor, Project Manager, Research Assistant, Senior Geoscience Software Advisor, Test Development Associate, Geophysicist, Geotechnical Field Technician, and Physical Science Teacher.