Geologists

Employment for geologists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2028, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). Opportunities in the field will be good because a large number of geologists are expected to retire during the next decade and demand for energy resources is expected to increase. Job opportunities will be especially strong for those with a master’s degree who are familiar with computer modeling and the global positioning system (GPS). Geologists who are able to speak a foreign language and who are willing to work overseas will also have strong employment prospects. The introduction of new techniques such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing that can reach untapped energy reserves have also created many new opportunities for geologists in the energy industry (although opportunities in the U.S. have slowed somewhat in recent years). The OOH says that "geoscientists will be involved in discovering and developing sites for alternative energies, such as geothermal energy and wind energy. For example, geothermal energy plants must be located near sufficient hot ground water, and one task for geoscientists would be evaluating if the site is suitable."