Professional Profile

Profession: Geologist
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.

Number of Licensed Professionals in Florida:
1,800

Salary Range:
$39,740–$135,950*

Requirements to be licensed:

• Graduation from a college or university with a major in geology or other related science acceptable to the board and satisfactory completion of a least 30 semester hours of geological courses, 24 of which must be at the third or fourth year or graduate level.
• Seven years of professional geological work experience

Interesting Facts: Professional geologists work for a wide range of government agencies, private firms, and non-profit and academic institutions. They help plan and evaluate excavations, construction sites, environmental remediation projects, and natural disaster preparedness, as well as investigate natural resources and environmental impact analysis.

*U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida, May 2006