Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
O*NET-SOC code
19-2042.00

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

  • Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08

    High· relative

    LowFour relative bandsVery high

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)

    831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band

    Source dataset (XLSX download)

  • Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03

    0.043

    0.000Range of values carried here0.745
    Scale, basis and source

    Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Mapped onto O*NET tasks

    Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value

    Source dataset (CSV download)

  • Data source: ILOPublished: 2025

    0.36

    0.09Range of values carried here0.70

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published

    Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

Exposed tasks only

32 rated tasks · 27 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (84.4%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

  • Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
  • All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
Source
OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release
gh-main-0471612
License
MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Task (O*NET 20.1)Claude.aiRaw / share %APIRaw / share %
Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.

19-2042.00

0.051891.90.030795.1
Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.

19-2042.00

0.00295.1—0
Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.

19-2042.00

0.00172.9—0
Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.
—00.00164.9
Not observed on any surface — 27 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states.
Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
—0—0
Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
—0—0
Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
—0—0
Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
—0—0
Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
—0—0
Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice regarding issues such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.
—0—0
Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.
—0—0
Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.
—0—0
Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
—0—0
Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
—0—0
Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.
—0—0
Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.
—0—0
Collaborate with medical or health researchers to address health problems related to geological materials or processes.
—0—0
Determine methods to incorporate geo-methane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.
—0—0
Determine ways to mitigate the negative consequences of mineral dust dispersion.
—0—0
Develop strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.
—0—0
Develop ways to capture or use gases that are currently burned off as waste during oil production processes.
—0—0
Identify new sources for Platinum Group Elements necessary for industrial uses, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.
—0—0
Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.
—0—0
Locate potential sources of geothermal energy.
—0—0
Provide advice on the safe siting of new nuclear reactor projects or methods of nuclear waste management.
—0—0
Research geomechanical or geochemical processes to be used in carbon sequestration projects.
—0—0
Research ways to reduce the ecological footprint of increasingly prevalent megacities.
—0—0
Review environmental cleanup work plans to determine the effectiveness of the remedial activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.
—0—0
Study historical climate change indicators found in locations such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop models related to current climate changes.
—0—0
Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.
—0—0
Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or in other applications.
—0—0

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (32)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)Type
Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.Core
Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.Core
Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.Core
Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.Core
Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.Core
Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.Core
Conduct geological or geophysical studies to provide information for use in regional development, site selection, or development of public works projects.Core
Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.Core
Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.Core
Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.Core
Develop applied software for the analysis and interpretation of geological data.Core
Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.Core
Design geological mine maps, monitor mine structural integrity, or advise and monitor mining crews.Core
Develop strategies for more environmentally friendly resource extraction and reclamation.Core
Identify new sources of platinum group elements for industrial applications, such as automotive fuel cells or pollution abatement systems.Core
Identify possible sites for carbon sequestration projects.Core
Locate potential sources of geothermal energy.Core
Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.Core
Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.Core
Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.Core
Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.Core
Identify deposits of construction materials suitable for use as concrete aggregates, road fill, or other applications.Core
Review environmental, historical, or technical reports and publications for accuracy.Core
Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.Supplemental
Collaborate with medical or health researchers to address health problems related to geological materials or processes.Supplemental
Determine methods to incorporate geomethane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.Supplemental
Determine ways to mitigate the negative consequences of mineral dust dispersion.Supplemental
Develop ways to capture or use gases burned off as waste during oil production processes.Supplemental
Provide advice on the safe siting of new nuclear reactor projects or methods of nuclear waste management.Supplemental
Research geomechanical or geochemical processes to be used in carbon sequestration projects.Supplemental
Research ways to reduce the ecological footprint of increasingly prevalent megacities.Supplemental
Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.Supplemental

Occupation information

Employment outlook (BLS)

Employment, 2025
25K
Projected employment, 2035
27K
Change (2025–35)
+5.1%
Median annual wage, 2025
$101,920
Typical education needed for entry
Bachelor's degree
lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO codeKSCO titleRelationStatus
21124지구 및 기상 과학 연구원This occupation is broaderconfirmed
21129그 외 자연과학 연구원This occupation is broaderconfirmed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

  • ISCO-08 2114Geologists and geophysicists

The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.

Geologists and geophysicists conduct research; improve or develop concepts, theories and operational methods, or apply scientific knowledge relating to geology and geophysics in such fields as oil, gas and mineral exploration and extraction, water conservation, civil engineering, telecommunications and navigation, and assessment and mitigation of the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment.

Tasks

  • (a) conducting research and improving or developing concepts, theories and operational methods related to geology and geophysics;
  • (b) studying composition and structure of the Earth's crust, examining rocks, minerals, fossils and other materials to determine processes affecting the development of the Earth, trace evolution of past life, establish nature and chronology of geological formations and assess their commercial applications;
  • (c) interpreting research data and preparing geological reports, maps, charts and diagrams, reports and papers;
  • (d) applying geological knowledge to problems encountered in civil engineering projects such as the construction of dams, bridges, tunnels, and large buildings; and land reclamation projects;
  • (e) using various remote sensing programmes to investigate and measure seismic, gravitational, electrical, thermal, and magnetic forces affecting the Earth;
  • (f) estimating weight, size and mass of the Earth and composition and structure of its interior, and studying the nature, activity and predictability of volcanoes, glaciers and earthquakes;
  • (g) charting the Earth's magnetic field and applying this and other collected data for broadcasting, navigation and other purposes;
  • (h) studying and measuring physical properties of seas and the atmosphere and their inter-relationship, such as the exchange of thermal energy;
  • (i) locating and determining the nature and extent of oil, gas and mineral deposits using seismological, gravimetric, magnetic, electrical or radiometric methods;
  • (j) identifying deposits of construction materials and determining their characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill or for other applications;
  • (k) researching the movement, distribution and physical properties of ground and surface waters;
  • (l) advising in areas such as waste management, route and site selection and the restoration of contaminated sites.

Example occupations

Geological oceanographer · Geologist · Geophysical oceanographer · Geophysicist · Geoscientist

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.

  • geologistESCO 2114.1Same scope

    Geologists research the materials that form the earth. Their observations depend on the purpose of the research. Depending on their specialisation, geologists study how the Earth has been shaped over time, its geological layers, the quality of minerals for mining purposes, earthquakes and volcanic activity for private services, and similar phenomena.

  • environmental geologistESCO 2114.1.1This occupation is broader

    Environmental geologists study how mineral operations may impact the composition and physical characteristics of the earth and its resources. They provide advice on issues such as land reclamation and environmental pollution.

  • exploration geologistESCO 2114.1.2This occupation is broader

    Exploration geologists examine and prospect for mineral deposits. They identify, define and obtain legal title to an economically viable mineral deposit.  They are responsible for design, management and execution of the exploration programme.

  • geochemistESCO 2114.1.3This occupation is broader

    Geochemists study the characteristics and chemical elements in minerals, rocks and soils, and how they interact with hydrological systems. They coordinate the collection of samples and indicate the suite of metals to be analysed.

  • geophysicistESCO 2114.2This occupation is broader

    Geophysicists study the physical characteristics of the earth and apply physical measurements to geological situations. Geophysicists use the principles of gravity, seismicity and electromagnetics to identify the structure and composition of the earth.

  • mineralogistESCO 2114.3This occupation is broader

    Mineralogists study the composition, structure and other physical aspects of the earth. They analyse various minerals and use scientific equipment to determine their structure and properties. Their work mostly focuses on the classification and identification of minerals by taking samples and performing further tests, analysis and examinations.

  • seismologistESCO 2114.1.10This occupation is broader

    Seismologists study the movement of tectonic plaques in the Earth which causes the propagation of seismic waves and earthquakes. They study and observe the various sources causing earthquakes such as volcanic activity, atmospheric phenomena, or the behaviour of oceans. They provide their scientific observations to prevent dangers in construction and infrastructure.

  • geological engineerESCO 2142.1.4Overlapping, not the same

    Geological engineers apply geological knowledge for the assessment of sites, soils, slope stability, sediments and other observable characteristics in the Earth. They integrate this information in the planning and development of projects in those places. They assess and answer questions concerning the geological characteristics of soils by performing research and experiments of the sites aimed to be intervened.

  • geology technicianESCO 3111.4Overlapping, not the same

    Geology technicians assist in all the activities carried out by geologists. They, under the supervision of geologists, collect materials, carry out research and study the samples collected from the Earth in order to offer analysis as part of the project and the aim. Geology technicians assist in determining the value of the land for oil or gas exploration. They perform various technical tasks, including collecting samples during geochemical surveys, working on drill sites, and participating in geophysical surveys and geological studies.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME codeROME title (French)Relation
F1142OcéanographeThis occupation is broader
F1105GéologueThis occupation is broaderprovisional
F1115VulcanologueThis occupation is broaderprovisional
F1118SismologueThis occupation is broaderprovisional
F1143Géophysicien / GéophysicienneThis occupation is broaderprovisional
K2414PaléontologueThis occupation is broaderprovisional
F1123GlaciologueRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 codeCNO-11 title (Spanish)Relation
2414Geólogos y geofísicosSame scopeprovisional

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB codeKldB title (German)Relation
42124Berufe in der Geologie - hoch komplexe TätigkeitenThis occupation is narrower
42114Berufe in der Geotechnik - hoch komplexe TätigkeitenRelated, not a match

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO codeJSCO title (Japanese)Relation
051自然科学系研究者Related, not a match
089その他の製造技術者（開発を除く）Related, not a match
119その他の技術者Related, not a match

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources