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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Life, Physical & Social Sciencesmediumaugment
Projected change (est.): ~+5%
Median Wage (est.): ~$98,000
Employment (est.): ~28K

Overall Exposure

40+12

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

56

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

24

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

28

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

40→55
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

56→72
+16

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

24→36
+12

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

28→41
+13

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Task Breakdown

Analyze geological data and satellite imagery
62%β 1
Create geological models and simulations
48%β 0.5
Conduct field surveys and sample collection
12%β 0
Write technical reports and environmental assessments
55%β 0.5

About This Occupation

If you work as a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 28/100 and overall exposure at 40%, this role faces medium transformation. The highest-impact area is analyze geological data and satellite imagery at 62% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects 5% growth through 2034. AI excels at processing vast geological datasets and satellite imagery, but fieldwork and geological interpretation still require human expertise.

ISCO-08 classification

Unit group 2114ILO official

Geologists and geophysicists

Definition

ILO original text (English)

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.

Definition & vocabulary source

Source: International Labour Organization (ILO) — ISCO-08 Structure

License: ILO CC BY 4.0

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Official occupational information

  • ONET19-2042.00

    Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

    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.

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  • ONET19-2043.00

    Hydrologists

    Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

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Source: O*NET 30.2, U.S. DOL/ETA

License: CC BY 4.0

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Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 28%, Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

Our estimated AI automation risk score for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers is 28% for 2025. Estimated overall AI exposure is 40%, with 56% theoretical exposure and 24% observed exposure. The estimated risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +10 points. All of these are model-generated estimates, not measurements.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers are: Analyze geological data and satellite imagery (62%), Write technical reports and environmental assessments (55%), Create geological models and simulations (48%). These rates are our own estimates of how much of each task current AI systems can handle. They are not measurements and are not taken from any external dataset.

We estimate a +5% employment change for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers between 2024 and 2034. This is our own estimate, not a figure published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Combined with an estimated overall AI exposure of 40%, this occupation faces both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.