Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 19-4043.00
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
High· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-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
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.229
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, 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
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.26–0.28· 2 ISCO-08 groups
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
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.
ILO value for each linked ISCO-08 group
- ISCO-08 3111Chemical and Physical Science Technicians0.26
- ISCO-08 3117Mining and metallurgical technicians0.28
Task-level exposure
Exposed tasks only30 rated tasks · 22 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (73.3%)
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
- 1 rated task is not in the O*NET 31.0 task list; its score is kept as published for O*NET 27.2.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Tasks of O*NET-SOC 2010 occupations 19-4041.01 Geophysical Data Technicians; 19-4041.02 Geological Sample Test Technicians, linked to this occupation by the O*NET-SOC 2010 to 2019 crosswalk
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % | APIRaw / share % |
|---|---|---|
Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.19-4041.02 | 0.014348.1 | 0.096076.1 |
Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.19-4041.01 | 0.009833.0 | 0.00695.5 |
Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.19-4041.01 | 0.003110.4 | 0.016913.4 |
Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.19-4041.02 | 0.00258.4 | 0.00645.1 |
| Not observed on any surface — 34 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. | ||
Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections. | —0 | —0 |
Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting. | —0 | —0 |
Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems. | —0 | —0 |
Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data. | —0 | —0 |
Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data. | —0 | —0 |
Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data. | —0 | —0 |
Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas. | —0 | —0 |
Supervise oil, water, or gas well-drilling activities. | —0 | —0 |
Collect samples or cuttings, using equipment or hand tools. | —0 | —0 |
Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments. | —0 | —0 |
Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas. | —0 | —0 |
Diagnose or repair malfunctioning instruments or equipment, using manufacturers' manuals and hand tools. | —0 | —0 |
Prepare and attach packing instructions to shipping containers. | —0 | —0 |
Develop and design packing materials and handling procedures for shipping of objects. | —0 | —0 |
Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits. | —0 | —0 |
Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations. | —0 | —0 |
Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites. | —0 | —0 |
Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites. | —0 | —0 |
Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability. | —0 | —0 |
Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis. | —0 | —0 |
Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices. | —0 | —0 |
Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs. | —0 | —0 |
Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases. | —0 | —0 |
Assemble, operate, or maintain field or laboratory testing, measuring, or mechanical equipment. | —0 | —0 |
Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis. | —0 | —0 |
Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions. | —0 | —0 |
Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices. | —0 | —0 |
Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross sections. | —0 | —0 |
Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials. | —0 | —0 |
Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation. | —0 | —0 |
Prepare, transcribe, or analyze seismic, gravimetric, well log, or other geophysical or survey data. | —0 | —0 |
Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations. | —0 | —0 |
Participate in the evaluation of possible geothermal energy plant locations. | —0 | —0 |
Test and analyze samples from potential underground carbon sequestration sites. | —0 | —0 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.O*NET Task ID 22272 | 1.0 |
Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.O*NET Task ID 22262 | 0.5 |
Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.O*NET Task ID 22264 | 0.5 |
Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.O*NET Task ID 22265 | 0.5 |
Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.O*NET Task ID 22267 | 0.5 |
Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.O*NET Task ID 22269 | 0.5 |
Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.O*NET Task ID 22270 | 0.5 |
Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.O*NET Task ID 22271 | 0.5 |
Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.O*NET Task ID 22274 | 0.5 |
Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.O*NET Task ID 22276 | 0.5 |
Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.O*NET Task ID 22277 | 0.5 |
Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.O*NET Task ID 22279 | 0.5 |
Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.O*NET Task ID 22280 | 0.5 |
Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.O*NET Task ID 22281 | 0.5 |
Develop and design packing materials and handling procedures for shipping of objects.O*NET Task ID 22284 | 0.5 |
Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation.O*NET Task ID 22285 | 0.5 |
Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.O*NET Task ID 22286 | 0.5 |
Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.O*NET Task ID 22287 | 0.5 |
Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.O*NET Task ID 22288 | 0.5 |
Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.O*NET Task ID 22289 | 0.5 |
Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.O*NET Task ID 22290 | 0.5 |
Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.O*NET Task ID 22291 | 0.5 |
Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.O*NET Task ID 22263 | 0.0 |
Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.O*NET Task ID 22266 | 0.0 |
Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.O*NET Task ID 22268 | 0.0 |
Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.O*NET Task ID 22273 | 0.0 |
Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data.O*NET Task ID 22275 | 0.0 |
Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.O*NET Task ID 22278 | 0.0 |
Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions.O*NET Task ID 22282 | 0.0 |
Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices.O*NET Task ID 22283 | 0.0 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
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 (29)
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 |
|---|---|
| Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment. | Core |
| Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis. | Core |
| Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis. | Core |
| Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections. | Core |
| Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs. | Core |
| Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis. | Core |
| Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices. | Core |
| Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting. | Core |
| Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information. | Core |
| Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases. | Core |
| Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems. | Core |
| Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data. | Supplemental |
| Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data. | Supplemental |
| Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data. | Supplemental |
| Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas. | Supplemental |
| Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment. | Supplemental |
| Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments. | Supplemental |
| Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations. | Supplemental |
| Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials. | Supplemental |
| Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas. | Supplemental |
| Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions. | Supplemental |
| Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices. | Supplemental |
| Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation. | Supplemental |
| Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits. | — |
| Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations. | — |
| Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites. | — |
| Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites. | — |
| Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability. | — |
| Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers. | — |
0.55/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis. | E2 structured facilities |
| Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices. | E0 none |
| Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices. | E2 structured facilities |
| Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites. | E0 none |
| Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability. | E0 none |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 7K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 8K
- Change (2025–35)
- +3.6%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $53,350
- Typical education needed for entry
- Associate's degree
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 code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21339 | 그 외 자연과학 시험원 | This occupation is narrower | confirmed |
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 3111Chemical and Physical Science Technicians
- ISCO-08 3117Mining and metallurgical technicians
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.
- geology technicianESCO 3111.4Same scope
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.
- geotechnicianESCO 3117.2This occupation is broader
Geotechnicians collect and process rock and soil samples for geomechanical testing. They also describe the quality of rock mass, including structure, discontinuities, colour and weathering. Mine geotechnicians may measure the size of underground openings. They report the collected information to geologists and engineers as required.
- metallurgical technicianESCO 3117.3This occupation is broader
Metallurgical technicians provide technical support in researching and performing experiments on minerals, metals, alloys, oil and gas. They also assist in improving the methods of extraction.
- soil surveying technicianESCO 3111.14Overlapping, not the same
Soil surveying technicians analyse soil by carrying out technical surveying tasks, using soil surveying techniques. They focus on the process of classifying soil types and other soil properties. Soil surveying technicians operate surveying equipment and utilise programs to retrieve and interpret relevant data, and perform computations as required.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
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 code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| F1128 | Géotechnicien / Géotechnicienne | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
| F1404 | Technicien / Technicienne de forage pétrole et gaz | Related, 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 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 3121 | Técnicos en ciencias físicas y químicas | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
| 3128 | Técnicos en metalurgia y minas | Related, not a matchprovisional |
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 code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 42112 | Berufe in der Geotechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
| 42113 | Berufe in der Geotechnik - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
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 code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 119 | その他の技術者 | This occupation is narrower |
| 089 | その他の製造技術者（開発を除く） | 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