Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Geological or Hydrologic Technician Geological and hydrologic technicians use laboratory equipment such as microscopes to analyze samples collected in the field. Geological and hydrologic technicians typically need at least an associate’s degree in applied science or science-related technology to enter the occupation. Some employers require a bachelor’s degree. Geological and hydrologic technicians also receive on-the-job
Education
Although entry-level positions typically require an associate’s degree in applied science or a science-related technology, employers may prefer to hire applicants who have a bachelor’s degree. Geological and hydrologic technician jobs that are data intensive or highly technical may require a bachelor’s degree. Community colleges and technical institutes may offer programs in geosciences, mining, or a related subject, such as geographic information systems (GIS). Regardless of the program, most students take courses in geology, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, and physics. Schools also may offer internships and cooperative-education programs in which students gain experience while attending school.
Training
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Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Some geological and hydrologic technicians may be required to have the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification. HAZWOPER certification includes training in health hazards, personal protective equipment, site safety, recognizing and identifying hazards, and decontamination. Refresher training may be required to maintain certification. Although not required, certification may indicate professional expertise. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Overall employment of geological and hydrologic technicians is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,400 openings for geological and hydrologic technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Projected employment of geological and hydrologic technicians varies by occupation (see table). Demand for natural gas, along with exploration and management of resources such as minerals and water, is expected to increase demand for geological exploration and extraction. However, the use of drones and other technology in mining exploration may replace the need for some geological technicians. Many hydrologic technicians are employed by the federal government and therefore, future employment will depend in large part on the amount of federal funding available for related activities and research. Geological and Hydrologic Technicians Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Life, physical, and social science technicians 5% Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians 4% Total, all occupations 3% Geological and hydrologic technicians 2% Hydrologic technicians -1% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Geological and Hydrologic Technicians Do
Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources, such as soil, natural gas, and water.
Duties
Geological and hydrologic technicians typically do the following:
- Install and maintain laboratory and field equipment
- Gather samples in the field, such as mud and water, and prepare them for analysis in the laboratory
- Conduct scientific tests on samples to determine their content and characteristics
- Record data from tests and compile information from reports, databases, and other sources
- Prepare reports and maps to identify geological characteristics of areas that may have valuable natural resources
Geological and hydrologic technicians typically specialize either in fieldwork and laboratory study or in analyzing data. However, technicians may have duties that overlap into multiple areas.
In the field, geological and hydrologic technicians use equipment, such as seismic instruments and depth sensors, to gather data. They also use tools, such as shovels and gauges, to collect samples for analysis. In laboratories, these technicians use microscopes, computers, and other equipment to analyze samples for problem-solving and other purposes.
Geological and hydrologic technicians work on teams under the supervision of scientists and engineers. Geological technicians help with tasks such as exploring and developing prospective sites or monitoring the productivity of existing ones. Hydrologic technicians assist with a variety of projects, such as providing information for negotiating water rights.
Geologic and hydrologic technicians also might work with scientists and technicians of other disciplines. For example, these technicians may work with environmental scientists and technicians to identify the potential impacts of drilling on an area’s soil and water quality.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians held about 7,300 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians were as follows:
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 43% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 31 |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 5 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 2 |
| Manufacturing | 2 |
Hydrologic technicians held about 3,000 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of hydrologic technicians were as follows:
| Federal government | 56% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 11 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 8 |
| Hydroelectric power generation | 3 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 2 |
Geological and hydrologic technicians work either in fields and laboratories or in offices. Fieldwork requires technicians to be outdoors, sometimes in remote locations, where they are exposed to all types of weather. In addition, technicians may need to stay on location for days or weeks to collect data and monitor equipment. Geological and hydrologic technicians who work in offices spend most of their time on computers to organize and analyze data, write reports, and produce maps.
Work Schedules
Most geological and hydrologic technicians work full time. Technicians generally work standard hours in laboratories and offices but may have irregular schedules in the field.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians evaluate data and samples using a variety of techniques, including laboratory experimentation and computer modeling. Communication skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians explain their methods and findings through oral and written reports to scientists, engineers, managers, and other technicians. Critical-thinking skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians must use their judgment when interpreting scientific data and determining what is relevant to their work. Interpersonal skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians need to be able to work well with others as part of a team. Physical stamina. To do fieldwork, geological and hydrologic technicians must be able to reach remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment. Training Geological and hydrologic technicians typically receive on-the-job training to attain competency. Under the supervision of experienced technicians, new technicians gain hands-on experience using field and laboratory equipment and computer software. The length of training may vary from 1 to 12 months.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about geological and hydrologic technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.