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Paleontologists

Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), employment opportunities for all geoscientists, including paleontologists, are expected to grow by 6 percent through 2028, which is about as fast as the average; however, competition will be stiff for university teaching and research positions.

Oil companies are the second largest employer of paleontologists (universities and colleges are generally the largest employer). The industry relies on petroleum geologists who specialize in paleontology and biostratigraphy (using fossils and tracks to determine the age of rock and sediment layers) to estimate the potential for discovering oil and natural gas.

Federal and state governments hire a small number of new graduates with baccalaureate or master's degrees but cannot accommodate all those seeking work. Budget constraints will also limit the number of job opportunities with government agencies, such as the U.S. Geological Survey.

To increase the likelihood of employment, students will find it helpful to pursue high academic standards, including, if possible, independent research and publication during the advanced degree years, cross-training in a related field such as zoology or botany, and planning a broad-based career that combines knowledge of government activities, industry experience, and teaching and research.