Subject Details

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that geoscientists in the U.S. earn a median salary of topping $93,500 a year, or nearly $45 an hour. The BLS goes on to say employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

The BLS also reports that mining and geological engineers in the U.S. earn nearly $94,000 annually, which translates to just over $45/hour, and geological and hydrologic technicians, another geology-based occupation, works to support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources.

You can study this subject area as part of course requirements for an award - degree, diploma or certificate - in another discipline. If you want to eventually earn a Bachelor’s degree in this subject, talk to a counselor or advisor early on and create a transfer plan.

Geology at Inver Hills

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Geologist Core Skills and Attributes

Solving problems using scientific rules and mathematics
Identifying alternative solutions through logic
Communicating effectively
Enjoying outdoor work
Completing detailed and delicate operations
Applying strong organizational skills
Working well as part of a team

Potential Job Titles

Engineering geologist
Environmental engineer
Environmental geologist
Exploration geologist
Geophysicist
Geological mapper
Geochemist
Geotechnical engineer
Hydrogeologist
Mineralogist
Paleoecologist
Petroleum geologist
Planetary geologist
Seismologist
Structural geologist
Volcanologist

Geology-Related Occupations in Detail

Geoscientists
Mining and Geological Engineers
Geological and Hydrologic Technicians

Professional Organizations

American Geosciences Institute (AGI): Geoscience Careers Brochure
American Geosciences Institute (AGI): Geoscience Workforce
American Geophysical Union (AGU): Career Center
Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG): Career Opportunities
The Geological Society of America (GSA): Education & Careers

Geology at Inver Hills Adds Up

What you’ll accomplish as a student in our Geology department:

Work directly with knowledgeable, experience, student-focused geology faculty
Benefit from small class sizes and collaborating with likeminded classmates
Develop a strong foundation in the science of geology
Gain hands-on experience completing lab exercises and classroom presentations
Explore the mysteries and wonders of planet Earth
Acquire a full range of transferable skills essential for career advancement in the geosciences as well as in other scientific fields
Save money and continue your academic and professional careers with less student debt

According to U.S. News & World Report, national student loan debt topped $1.7 trillion in the second quarter of 2021, or roughly $740 billion more than U.S. total credit card debt.

In Minnesota, 900,000 student loan borrowers owe an average $31,250 in federal and private student debt. That debt translates into an average monthly payment topping $250.

Tuition and fees for one year at Inver Hills costs a little less than $5,500. Compare that to $15,000 to $20,000 at a for-profit college, or $40,000 to $50,000+ at a private college or university. You can complete your first two years at Inver Hills getting a topflight, hands-on education from knowledgeable, caring and experienced faculty and then transfer to a four-year school as a junior all while saving thousands of dollars.

Additional Resources

Scholarships
Tuition & Costs
Inver Hills Foundation
Apply for Financial Aid