tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post2046921776428571552..comments2024-03-17T18:37:36.377-07:00Comments on Geotripper: Get Rich Being a Geologist! But...?Garry Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00531226195147986457noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-31145566497136538162020-10-05T13:25:35.670-07:002020-10-05T13:25:35.670-07:00I graduated in 2019 with a BSc in Geology and righ...I graduated in 2019 with a BSc in Geology and right now I am doing a MSc in the process and analysis of geophysical data. Anyway the Master's course is interdicsiplinary and I ended up with a thesis in paleolimnology. I use sedimentological, geochemical, paleontological (pollen,diatoms) and geophysical methods to analyse core sediments from an ancient lake. Do I have a chance in mud logging or environmental jobs or even mining jobs (lignite,coal mines)? Or do I have to take a MSc course solely focused on one of the above (mining,petroleum). Last but not least I am a geologist from Greece (and don't care where I have to work or how much I have to work I just want to work as a geologist). Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-63863093240573084042017-07-06T18:39:48.107-07:002017-07-06T18:39:48.107-07:00I graduated in 2008 and entered the environmental ...I graduated in 2008 and entered the environmental field. It's been generally ok, though it's more about the paycheck now than the geology (there ain't much, really). With 9 years experience I'm making $70k, though I started lower than most, so I probably should be making $80k. If you want to go the environmental route, move to NJ, MA, CT, or CA. They have rigorous state environmental regulations so you're protected from the EPA layoffs/relaxation of regulations. The more regulation, the more work there is in environmental. But top tip - learn as much as you can at each job, even if it's on your own time, and bounce around every 3 years or so because otherwise your pay stagnates. Good luck to all the geology majors out there and existing geologists. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-40619827221064600482017-01-03T15:45:01.006-08:002017-01-03T15:45:01.006-08:00I am a geologist as well. It really looks like it&...I am a geologist as well. It really looks like it's one or the other, either you are well off and happy being a geologist or you work for $12/hour. No different from any other career.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-20128401969676662602015-11-21T17:07:38.537-08:002015-11-21T17:07:38.537-08:00I graduated with a BS in Geology in 12/85. There w...I graduated with a BS in Geology in 12/85. There were no jobs. I was granted a MS in geology in 1993 and was never able to get a job in Environmental. I've spent the last 4 years mudlogging. You aren't paid a lot of money, and you spend your life on the drill rigs. You make $12 to $18 an hour. I was never off when I logged. I made field supervisor and I was never home for $72000 plus bonus, or about $90,000 a year. I have no life, the wife left me, the kids have nothing to do with me. I'm working a $12 an hour job now.none importanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09880403470490966386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-7717449992646488492015-11-10T18:18:47.832-08:002015-11-10T18:18:47.832-08:00I can't speak to the particulars of your situa...I can't speak to the particulars of your situation, but some of my former students have managed to get jobs in the mining industry with a bachelor's degree, and the mine owners paid for their master's degree. You might look at that angle.Garry Hayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00531226195147986457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-41244167490972120312015-11-10T17:15:38.759-08:002015-11-10T17:15:38.759-08:00Hey there,
I´m currently doing an geology bachelo...Hey there,<br /><br />I´m currently doing an geology bachelors and i´ve found that i´m quite passionate about mining and minerals, obviously.. when i´m studying geology.<br /><br />What i´m wondering is this; is it possible for me as a graduate geologist to take on a masters course in mining engineering to broaden my knowledge for working in the mining industry?<br /><br />Thanks for sharing your insight,<br /><br />regards,<br />JJnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-77118754254881457882015-11-04T23:48:17.438-08:002015-11-04T23:48:17.438-08:00Timmy,
Any suggestions for the hundred or so oil ...Timmy,<br /><br />Any suggestions for the hundred or so oil patch schmoes that just got the kick-out-the-door? I've become dependent on my underpaid, but still good, salary and now the oil execs are only hiring fresh grads at little to literally NO peanuts. NO ONE is hiring the 5-10 year oil patch geologists like myself and many of my friends.<br /><br />BIHUncle Joehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02724139558999013836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-10768357428985021982015-08-06T16:44:15.125-07:002015-08-06T16:44:15.125-07:00Hi,
I just stumbled across this web page.
Geolo...Hi, <br /><br />I just stumbled across this web page.<br /><br />Geology has been very, very good to me.<br /><br />What I love about the profession:<br />- The money is good<br />- The scenery changes<br />- And occasionally they let me play with explosives <br /><br />I am a 30+ year engineering geologist making six figures and that is with a B.A. with an Art History minor. Some how I picked up a lot of civil engineering along the way and got a PE with no formal engineering classes. Also a PG.<br /><br />My career has taken me far and wide. Everyday, whether it is a conference room proposing 5 solutions to a geotechnical problem, giving professional lectures for grouting, rock anchors, tunneling, drilling and blasting, or cut-off walls; or being in the field as today on a $900M project that has some issues; it is a fun job. I'm glad I change major from History to Geology when I was a freshman. (I got a "C" on my 1st semester midterms History exam and I studied my ass off for that exam, but got the highest score on Intro to Geology midterm exam without studying for the exam. That made it an obvious degree switch choice) <br /><br />I bow down to the geology gods everyday and thank them for having a great and rewarding profession.<br /><br />It not about the money. It is about the daily challenge and the self-reward for finding a low cost solution, on-the-spot to solve the problem using all the tricks in the hat or tools in the box. Complex problems sometimes need a simple solution. Also carry 3-5 solutions in your hip pocket.<br /><br />I mentor new geologist in the engineering field. I love sharing my hard won knowledge (no secret black book here). <br /><br />But I am sorry to say, I could not identify a Inosilicates if I was struck in the head with it. Weekends for me, does not involve rock collecting that reminds me work. I like playing with my trains, dog and guitars.<br /><br />For graduating geology student looking for a job, I can recommend USAJOBS.GOV. Also get your PG. It helps these days.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Timmy, PG, PE<br />Engineering Geologist <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Timmyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05840071286598233775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-18384148377916299102014-11-23T15:52:20.014-08:002014-11-23T15:52:20.014-08:00I went into geology because I loved learning about...I went into geology because I loved learning about it. I also wanted to be outside in the mountains. I have a Bachelor's degree and found a petroleum job making over 100k a year after 5 years. It's entirely office based, we go look at core and go on training field trips sparsely. After much debate I am leaving the industry and career. I couldn't see myself in mining, I do not want to leave my family for extended periods, or work in god-forsaken lands. That goes for wellsite work too. I am not interested in environmental jobs. I desperately want to get out of the office and interact with people, so I am getting into the healthcare field. I will always love geology, but for me it is much better as just a hobby. A word of warning to any students, if you are a people person, definitely consider a different career.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-48636711464110631002014-11-07T01:43:29.348-08:002014-11-07T01:43:29.348-08:00Hi there people, this is an interesting discussion...Hi there people, this is an interesting discussion, and it has stood the test of time. <br /><br />I qualified from a 4 year undergrad-masters level MSci degree in Geology from the UK. I loved studying. I immediately moved out to Australia, as had secured a job. I had 3 years or so, working for various companies for $75k to $95K AUD/yr.<br /><br />Here in Perth, the mining 'boom' people talk about is over. I was laid off 1.5 years ago. It is damn near impossible to find work. Senior (10yr+) geologists are applying for very junior positions, making it nigh on impossible for someone like me to find any work.<br /><br />'Luckily', after getting my residency recently, I have had a short term contract (5 weeks). However, my circumstances have now changed. I now live with my girlfriend in a nice house, and working away on a 2 week on 1 week roster was extremely difficult. I missed home and my partner immensely, found it hard to sleep, was subject to 38+C temperatures, and as a result, spent my 12 hour shifts completely exhausted and feeling pretty miserable. It's not this nice glamorous job you think it will be whilst at university.<br /><br />-It's often unbearably hot. It's dusty,<br />-Although it's been disputed before, your often dealing with rough redneck people, and not intellectuals. Lovely as they might be, what I'm saying here is that you often can't have an intellectual discussion/debate on world politics, and have to settle taking about porn, cars, women, sports etc.<br />-If I stay in the industry, it's likely I'll spend half or more of my time away from home, my partner, my future children. This is something I don't want.<br /><br /><br />I now find myself applying for roles that in my heart of hearts I don't really want, and that's really really upsetting.<br /><br />I'm considering applying for a PhD (not sure what topic), or a Masters in Petroleum. The petroleum industry tends to be more city based for geoscientists (operating companies, not services), and a little less unstable/volatile. I want to give it a go, instead of giving geology up and resigning myself to working elsewhere entirely.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-11620983626603317322014-06-28T11:27:08.416-07:002014-06-28T11:27:08.416-07:00My experience may have been outside the norm, but ...My experience may have been outside the norm, but I got both my BS and MS in geology (specifically geochemistry), and I decided to go the environmental route because it would be easiest to find a job. Up to this point I had no course work in petroleum, so that wasn't really an option. So I get my first job, with an MS, making 35k a year. Mind you this is after garnering 25k in student loans. How was I supposed to pay that off and still have a roof over my head and buy groceries and have some semblance of a life? <br /><br />I've since moved on from that company to another and am making more money, but still not crazy about it. I live in MO and have field work all throught MO, KS, and IA. A lot of it could just be the geography, but I hardly ever get to see anywhere cool in these states. It's some middle of nowhere town where the only thing to eat is fast food and you're outside 12 hours a day in 105 degrees or -10 degrees. And when you are in the office you're expected to put in 9-10 hour days. For free. Because you're salaried, and that's just what's expected.<br /><br />Maybe I wouldn't have these complaints if I loved what I was doing, as I'm not afraid of long hours. It just seems like the environmental route isn't great for either salary or quality of life. If I had to do it over again I would have gone to petroleum for 5-7 years and saved a bunch, paid off my loans, and then found something else. <br /><br />I always loved teaching, but good luck finding a teaching job without a PhD. I love geology and don't ever regret studying it, I just wish I had been better prepared for real life geology jobs, not the romanticized, wishful thinking geology jobs touted by professors. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-88420615476363860362013-05-22T11:40:27.564-07:002013-05-22T11:40:27.564-07:00Do the time and it will come, after a few years u...Do the time and it will come, after a few years underground or doing exploration in hard places (africa not us) will open lots of doors and look at over 200k after a bit of time.....<br /><br />Have fun look at rocks, and most of all travel. You will see things most people never see! And really put your heart in it comes back with dividends!old bullethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15815401823305674218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-13898795221482957042013-05-22T11:27:47.426-07:002013-05-22T11:27:47.426-07:00Plenty of jobs in africa, but as mentioned before ...Plenty of jobs in africa, but as mentioned before you must be able to tough it out. I am now reaping the benefits from the bad years working long shifts underground and working in exploration for peanuts.<br />200k + is very achievable but first get in the "coal face" experience.<br />Cheersold bullethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15815401823305674218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-34309540318119799512013-03-22T08:59:45.248-07:002013-03-22T08:59:45.248-07:00I'm wondering if the job hunt you mention invo...I'm wondering if the job hunt you mention involved the willingness to move to a new state or country? There seem to be lots of jobs out there, but mainly in the areas where the mining and drilling is happening, like Nevada or North Dakota, or Australia.<br /><br />The original post is nearly five years old! I think the industry went through a whole boom-bust cycle in the interim...Garry Hayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00531226195147986457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-79594064131681783142013-03-22T07:01:25.686-07:002013-03-22T07:01:25.686-07:00I'm very late posting, but my question is:
For...I'm very late posting, but my question is:<br />For those of you who managed to find these high paying jobs, how did you find them? Because I graduated in geology with a four year degree, lost count on the number of resumes I sent, and nothing.<br />I'm thinking, maybe it's because my school isn't one of the top in Geology, I don't know.<br />I'm seriously considering switching to another field.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-52335479196923201082013-02-14T18:55:50.581-08:002013-02-14T18:55:50.581-08:00I feel as though I can add some fresh insight to t...I feel as though I can add some fresh insight to this conversation. I am a recent graduate of a 4 year geology degree (not from a mining school) and I recently got hired by a very well known mining company for 55k a year plus up to 20% of my salary as a bonus with the expectation of a 15% raise within a year.<br /><br />Many of my friends are making a significant amount of more money working over in the oil patch, but for me quality of life (living in SW MT) and a great schedule was worth more than logging mud.<br /><br />It's all well and good to do research and think of geology as a purely academic pursuit, but most of us will never achieve a PhD nor have the desire too. Geologists working in exploration fields provide a valuable addition to our nation GDP and a significant addition to our national resource security. Working in oil, gas, and mining is nothing to look down on.MTGeologyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15030140660273405429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-47041585733478638762012-02-28T02:16:30.158-08:002012-02-28T02:16:30.158-08:00Anonymous guy above, first of all you are obviousl...Anonymous guy above, first of all you are obviously out of the loop in relation to salaries. In all fairness you are not in the industry and have not been for 14 years....alot has changed in the industry in that time. Australia for instance is currently in the middle of a resources boom and they cannot get enough qualified geologists. Salaries vary from $80-90k for graduates up to $150k plus for jobs in exploration and mining. Sure the lifestyle sucks a bit living away for long periods of time but that is the sacrifice you make for the money. And be careful who you refer to as low class scum bags. Sure some of them lack a bit of finesse but just because they don't have a tertiary education does not mean they are inferior to you. Some of the smartest most practical guys I have worked with were drillers. Some also were a nightmare but you get good with the bad. No point making generalised sweeping statements like that.<br />The beauty of the career is in the eye of the beholder and if you are passionate enough about it and enjoy being outdoors it is a great career that pays well. I can understand it does not work for alot of people due to the long periods spent away (fly in fly out work, typically 2 weeks spent on site with one week break). But please do not go making ill informed comments on the industry if you have not been in it for 14 years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-77078558698582898982011-03-21T11:24:51.922-07:002011-03-21T11:24:51.922-07:00Geology (as a private sector job) totally sucks. ...Geology (as a private sector job) totally sucks. I have a four year degree in this subject and I never saw or heard of any job offer with the kind of salaries mentioned in this blog. <br />In order to earn a decent salary as a geologist, you need a graduate degree (mandatory, preferably involving some aspect of engineering), a willingness to live in God-forsaken places and the ability to work with a bunch of low-class, scumbag drill rig/heavy equipment operators. (and all of this in weather that is either burning hot or freezing cold)<br />Quit spreading propaganda about careers in geology.<br />This being said, I still maintain a deep interest in the the earth sciences, but only as a "hobby" rather than a career. I also have a deep respect for the science of geology and the folks that are brave enough to make a career out of teaching it.<br />I feel that my decision to become a geology major was a not a good one and, in fact I had to return to school and eventually change my career entirely. Fourteen years have now passed and I do not regret my decision to leave geology.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-14585337140646330932010-10-14T12:52:11.115-07:002010-10-14T12:52:11.115-07:00I don't know about entry pay these days (that ...I don't know about entry pay these days (that was almost 30 years ago for me)but there are a lot of experienced engineering geologist, both geotechnical and environmental) earning in the $90K-$110K range, if you include bonuses.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-58029256953264679772008-12-02T15:30:00.000-08:002008-12-02T15:30:00.000-08:00I switched into Geology on a whim, from Computer S...I switched into Geology on a whim, from Computer Science, a degree which would have netted me an equal or greater salary, because I didn't like what I was doing even though I was great at it. I sincerely hope that people would have the same sort of foresight for Geology. I went from total apathy about what I was doing to borderline obsession. Not to mention a penchant for geology jokes, which I always find hilarious. I think that the jokes are how you can tell a real geologist from a "job" geologist...Schwa88https://www.blogger.com/profile/06762855974731442884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-80117858724262991382008-10-26T06:32:00.000-07:002008-10-26T06:32:00.000-07:00i kinda know being a geologist gives u a lot of mo...i kinda know being a geologist gives u a lot of money. to me, i don't see it that way because there are other jobs that give u high pay as well. it's more the joy of being outdoor when u r a geologist. u r not confined in an office all the time. u get to go out n meet new people and spend time outdoor admiring the nature. <BR/><BR/>i'm still a student as of now, and i decided that i wanna be a geologist when i was 15. and at that time, i dont even know that this job can give me a lot of moneyfzrzkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03373477250003797367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-21986863050302752662008-04-24T11:05:00.000-07:002008-04-24T11:05:00.000-07:00I am going into Geology primarly because of my lov...I am going into Geology primarly because of my love for the outdoors. Being outside is something I deeply desire from a job. I did think it was a added bonus to find out that I will be able to find a job with a great pay/ benifits while doing something I am loving more daily!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-84126856682186693872008-03-27T15:26:00.000-07:002008-03-27T15:26:00.000-07:00I studied geology because it was so much fun doing...I studied geology because it was so much fun doing science AND being outside. I ended up teaching High School for 25 years (biology mostly if you can believe it). I now teach geology for Colorado Online Learning. I have never seen a salary that high and I figure I never will.Geology Happenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17009558103508195084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-50047581671678981212008-03-26T20:33:00.000-07:002008-03-26T20:33:00.000-07:00That was one of my two guesses. Was there back whe...That was one of my two guesses. Was there back when they called it the Lincoln Mine. California is a hard place to get any mining started - even in that county (forgot name), which was fairly favorable to mining. Underground might be possible...Silver Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03131032620978696727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5211670216140060946.post-56930876131360440222008-03-26T20:17:00.000-07:002008-03-26T20:17:00.000-07:00Thanks for the great discussion, everyone. Silver ...Thanks for the great discussion, everyone. Silver Fox, thanks for your insight. I was really wondering what it was like in the Nevada mining economy today. I wasn't in the mining engineering section at UNR in '84, so I don't know if much recruiting was going on at the time. I chanced into a lab teaching position, and it took four years before I saw anything more than a part-time position open up in the community college system here in California.<BR/><BR/>The mine in the photo is the Sutter Gold Mine outside Sutter Creek in the Mother Lode. It may have been called the Lincoln Mine a few years back. They are mining tourists for the most part these days with mine tours, but they talk a lot about reopening now that the price of gold is up.Garry Hayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00531226195147986457noreply@blogger.com