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Economic Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mariana Minerals

Lead Resource Geologist

Houston, TX · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

This role will contribute directly to geological interpretation, resource modeling, and grade control inputs that underpin mine planning, engineering, and economic evaluation. In this role, you will ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Mine Geologist

Republic, WA · On-site

Job Summary The Mine Geologist is responsible for the collection of field data, logging of rock ... Understands the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Mine Geologist

Republic, WA · On-site

Job Summary The Mine Geologist is responsible for the collection of field data, logging of rock ... Understands the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively ...

Professional Recruiters

Exploration Geologist

Cedar City, UT · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

... economic potential Prepare technical reports summarizing drill results and exploration progress Ensure compliance with environmental, permitting, and MSHA safety requirements Qualifications: Required ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Mine Geologist

Republic, WA · On-site

Job Summary The Mine Geologist is responsible for the collection of field data, logging of rock ... Understands the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively ...

Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Geologist

Lakewood, CO · On-site +1

$118K - $154K/yr

Prepares comprehensive technical and economic analysis, reports, and presentations regarding energy ... Degree: geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics ...

INTEC SEA

Senior Geologist

Houston, TX · On-site

... Strong Geological skills developed in various plays (MENA, North Sea, SE Asia) History of ... use in economic evaluations Preparation of material for Peer Review; Assistance with the ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Chief Geologist

Elko, NV · On-site

Job Summary The Chief Geologist is responsible for providing leadership in Geology to technical ... Understands the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Chief Geologist

Elko, NV · On-site

Job Summary The Chief Geologist is responsible for providing leadership in Geology to technical ... the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively and ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Chief Geologist

Elko, NV · On-site

Job Summary The Chief Geologist is responsible for providing leadership in Geology to technical ... the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively and ...

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Economic Geologist information

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$36K

$77K

$124.5K

How much do economic geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic geologist in the United States is $77,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Economic Geologist vs Mining Geologist?

AspectEconomic GeologistMining Geologist
CredentialsGeology degree, often with specialization in economic geologyGeology degree, often with focus on mineral deposits and exploration
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, research, and analysis related to mineral deposits' economic potentialFieldwork at mining sites, exploration, and resource assessment
Industry UsageUsed in mineral exploration, resource evaluation, and economic analysisPrimarily involved in exploration, development, and operational mining activities

Economic Geologists focus on identifying and evaluating mineral deposits for their economic viability, often working on exploration and resource assessment. Mining Geologists are more involved in the practical aspects of exploration and working directly at mining sites. Both roles require geology credentials and are integral to the mining industry, but their primary focus and work environment differ.

What does an economic geologist do?

An economic geologist studies Earth's materials to locate and evaluate mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. They analyze geological data, use tools like GIS and sampling techniques, and often work in the field and laboratory to assess mineral resources' economic potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Geologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Geologist, you need strong expertise in mineralogy, geochemistry, and structural geology, typically supported by a degree in geology or earth sciences. Familiarity with GIS software, geochemical analysis tools, and mining industry databases is essential, and professional certifications like P.Geo can be advantageous. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for identifying valuable mineral resources and supporting sustainable and profitable mining operations.

What is the highest paid geologist?

The highest paid geologists are often those working as senior or specialized economic geologists in the mining and energy sectors, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. Factors such as experience, location, industry, and advanced certifications can influence earning potential significantly.

What type of geologist pays the most?

Economic geologists often earn the highest salaries among geology specialties due to their expertise in mineral and energy resource exploration, which requires advanced knowledge, fieldwork, and often specialized certifications. Their compensation is influenced by industry demand, project complexity, and geographic location, with those working in mineral exploration and resource development typically earning more than general or academic geologists.

How much do economic geologists make?

Economic geologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. Senior professionals or those working in high-demand areas can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 with specialized skills and certifications.

What are some typical challenges economic geologists face when working on mineral exploration projects?

Economic geologists often encounter challenges such as working in remote or difficult terrains, interpreting complex geological data, and managing uncertainties in resource estimation. They must also balance environmental considerations and regulatory requirements with the goals of exploration. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, environmental scientists, and local communities, is essential to ensure the project's success and sustainability.
More about Economic Geologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Economic Geologist jobs? Cities with the most Economic Geologist job openings:
What states have the most Economic Geologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Economic Geologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Economic Geologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Geologist jobs are:
Economic Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Geologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 89% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.

Lead Resource Geologist

Mariana Minerals

Houston, TX • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Mariana Minerals
Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We're reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
The Role
Mariana Minerals is seeking a Lead Resource Geologist to support resource development, mine geology, and technical studies across open pit and underground mining projects. This role will contribute directly to geological interpretation, resource modeling, and grade control inputs that underpin mine planning, engineering, and economic evaluation.
In this role, you will work closely with mine planning, mining engineering, and operations teams to ensure geological models are technically sound, practical, and aligned with mining realities. You will apply hands-on experience in nickel and copper systems to support resource growth, model refinement, and operational decision-making across multiple stages of project development.
This role is ideal for a geologist with solid field, modeling, and operational experience who wants to demonstrate technical excellence and impact in a fast-moving, project-driven environment.
What You'll Do
Geological Modeling & Interpretation
  • Own geological and mineral resource model governance, including assumptions, documentation, uncertainty, and technical defensibility
  • Build, update, and maintain geological and resource models supporting open pit and underground mine designs and economic evaluation
  • Interpret lithology, structure, alteration, and mineralization using drilling, mapping, and sampling data
  • Define and apply domain-based modeling approaches and geostatistical methods appropriate for Ni and Cu deposit types

Resource Development & Mine Geology Support
  • Provide geological inputs to mine planning and scheduling, including ore/waste boundaries, grade trends, and structural controls
  • Support grade control strategies and short-term geological models in both open pit and underground environments
  • Drive near-mine resource growth through targeting, drill prioritization, and model-driven exploration
  • Provide geological inputs to reserve conversion, including modifying factors, dilution assumptions, and model validation

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with mine planners, mining engineers, and geotechnical teams to ensure geological models are fit-for-purpose
  • Translate geological uncertainty and risk into clear inputs for planning and engineering trade-off decisions
  • Support technical study work across conceptual, PEA, PFS, and FS stages

Data Quality & Technical Rigor
  • Ensure high standards for geological data quality, QA/QC, and documentation
  • Review and validate drilling, sampling, and assay data prior to model incorporation
  • Maintain clear assumptions and traceability in all geological deliverables
  • Ensure geological and resource work complies with applicable reporting codes (e.g. JORC, NI 43-101, CRIRSCO-aligned standards)

Operational & Field Support
  • Define geological objectives, data requirements, and standards for drilling, logging, and sampling, and provide geological oversight of field execution
  • Undertake or review field mapping, underground mapping, and face mapping as required
  • Support or lead reconciliation of geological and resource models against production data
What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred)
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in mine and/or resource geology
  • Demonstrated experience supporting both open pit and underground mining operations
  • Direct experience with nickel and copper mineral systems
  • Strong applied geostatistical and mineral resource estimation experience, including domaining, variography, classification, and reporting
  • Proficiency with geological modeling and estimation software (e.g., Leapfrog, Datamine, Vulcan, Micromine)
  • Strong understanding of geological controls on mineralization and their implications for mining
  • Ability to communicate geological concepts clearly to non-geologists
  • Willingness to work across office and site environments as needed
  • Professional Geologist (P.Geo or equivalent), or eligibility
  • Demonstrated leadership of mineral resource estimates under reporting codes (e.g. NI43-101, JORC)
  • Experience in greenfield or brownfield exploration programs tied to active mines
Our culture is built on three principles:
Extreme Ownership - We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.
Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate - We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.
Share Your Legos - We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.
Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.

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