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Phd Geology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Geologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Bachelor's or master's degree in Geology, or Petroleum Engineering or related discipline (MS or PhD preferred). * Direct experience with drilling operations, including oil and gas, geothermal systems ...

Degree in geology or geological engineering, with a preference given to master's or PhD's. * A minimum of eight (8) years' experience in geology, including significant exposure to resource estimation.

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field and a minimum of 7 years' related experience. * Master's degree or PhD preferred. * A valid driver's license with acceptable violation ...

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field and a minimum of 7 years' related experience. * Master's degree or PhD preferred. * A valid driver's license with acceptable violation ...

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field and a minimum of 7 years' related experience. * Master's degree or PhD preferred. * A valid driver's license with acceptable violation ...

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field and a minimum of 7 years' related experience. * Master's degree or PhD preferred. * A valid driver's license with acceptable violation ...

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field and a minimum of 7 years' related experience. * Master's degree or PhD preferred. * A valid driver's license with acceptable violation ...

New

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field and a minimum of 7 years' related experience. * Master's degree or PhD preferred. * A valid driver's license with acceptable violation ...

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field and a minimum of 7 years' related experience. * Master's degree or PhD preferred. * A valid driver's license with acceptable violation ...

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Phd Geology information

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$36K

$77K

$124.5K

How much do phd geology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd geology 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 types of collaborative projects can a PhD Geologist expect to participate in within academic or industry settings?

PhD Geologists often engage in multidisciplinary collaborations, working alongside professionals such as engineers, environmental scientists, and data analysts. In academic environments, they may co-author research papers, participate in grant-funded fieldwork, or contribute to large-scale geological surveys. In industry, collaboration often involves teamwork on resource exploration, environmental impact assessments, and geotechnical investigations. These projects require strong communication skills and the ability to integrate geological expertise with insights from other fields, providing opportunities to broaden one’s professional network and skill set.

What jobs can you get with a PhD in geology?

A PhD in geology qualifies individuals for advanced roles such as research scientist, university professor, environmental consultant, or geoscience researcher. These positions often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of fieldwork, and proficiency with geological software and laboratory techniques.

What is the difference between Phd Geology vs Geoscientist?

AspectPhd GeologyGeoscientist
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Geology or Earth SciencesBachelor's or Master's in Geology, Earth Sciences, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, academia, or specialized industry rolesFieldwork, laboratories, consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsageAcademic research, advanced industry R&D, teachingResource exploration, environmental consulting, hazard assessment
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

In summary, a Phd Geology typically involves advanced research, teaching, and specialized roles requiring a doctorate, while a Geoscientist usually holds a bachelor's or master's degree and works in fieldwork, consulting, or industry applications. Both roles are integral to understanding Earth's processes but differ mainly in education level and work focus.

How much does a PhD in geology make?

A PhD in geology typically leads to higher salaries compared to bachelor's or master's degrees, with median annual wages around $90,000 to $110,000 in the United States. Salaries vary based on experience, location, industry, and whether the geologist works in academia, government, or private sectors.

What are 5 potential jobs for geology?

Geology graduates can pursue careers as environmental consultants, where they assess soil and rock for construction projects; as petroleum geologists, exploring and extracting oil and gas resources; as hydrogeologists, studying groundwater systems; as mining geologists, locating and evaluating mineral deposits; and as academic or research scientists in universities or government agencies. These roles often require fieldwork, data analysis, and knowledge of geological tools and software.

What is the highest paying geology job?

The highest paying geology jobs are often in the oil and gas industry, such as petroleum geologists, who can earn six-figure salaries, especially with experience and advanced certifications. Other high-paying roles include exploration managers and geoscience directors in energy companies, which require strong technical skills and leadership experience.

What are PhD Geologists?

PhD Geologists are scientists who have earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in geology, which is the study of the Earth, its materials, processes, and history. They conduct advanced research in areas such as mineralogy, paleontology, geophysics, and environmental geology. PhD Geologists typically work in academia, research institutions, government agencies, or private industry, contributing to scientific understanding and solving practical problems related to the Earth's resources and hazards. Their work may involve field studies, laboratory analysis, and the use of specialized software or equipment.

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

To thrive as a PhD Geologist, you need advanced expertise in geological sciences, research methodology, and data analysis, typically supported by a doctoral degree in geology or a related field. Familiarity with geological modeling software (such as ArcGIS or Petrel), laboratory equipment, and analytical techniques is often required. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills help you excel in both independent research and collaborative projects. These skills are crucial for conducting rigorous scientific investigations and effectively sharing findings within academic, industry, or consulting environments.
What cities are hiring for Phd Geology jobs? Cities with the most Phd Geology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Phd Geology jobs? The most popular types of Phd Geology jobs are:
What states have the most Phd Geology jobs? States with the most job openings for Phd Geology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Phd Geology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Geology jobs are:
Infographic showing various Phd Geology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.

Research Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellowship)

A-Z List | U.S. Geological Survey

Anchorage, AK

$101K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

What General Information Do I Need to Know About This Position?
This is a term appointment not to exceed 13-months with possible extensions up to a total of 4 yrs without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.

Salary: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at Step 01.

GS-12: $101,206 (Step 01) to $131,571 (Step 10).

Qualifications:

Description of the Research Opportunity:
The proposed project would use some combination of geochemical (including stable or radiogenic isotopes), petrology, and petrography to address the evolution of and controls on mineral resources. The proposed research may directly address one or more fundamental questions that include, but are not limited to:

  • What is the age of critical mineral resource formation in southwest Alaska? How are the mineral resources related in time or space to igneous systems, and how are they distributed on the landscape?
  • What, if any, role does the basement terrane play in critical mineral resource potential in a deposit?
  • What are potential linkages between crustal architecture, magmatic composition, and critical mineral endowment of mineral systems in southwest Alaska?
  • What potential fluids are responsible for critical mineral enrichment in mineral deposits?
  • How can we better predict critical mineral enrichments as co- and by-products?

These questions require a better and more integrated understanding of the framework geology and mineral resources. The ideal proposal would investigate a combination of topical and framework processes to evaluate the role of regional geologic components to critical mineral formation in ore deposits. Understanding features from the deposit to regional scale are critical in the ability to integrate ore deposit genesis to mineral system mappable criteria.

The USGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program provides highly motivated recent Ph.D. graduates with the opportunity to conduct concentrated research in association with selected USGS Scientists, as a final element to their formal career preparation. Selectees will utilize the excellent scientific resources available at the USGS in the conduct of scientific investigations and exploratory development associated with advanced scientific research. This program will provide selectees the opportunity to contribute to the overall research efforts of the USGS and in turn they will gain excellent professional research experience early in their careers.

Appointments under the USGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program will be made under the Schedule A, 213.3102 (r) excepted appointing authority for a minimum period of 13 months and may be extended up to a maximum period of 4 years.
In order to be considered for these opportunities, candidates must:
(1) have successfully completed a Ph.D. in a field related to the Research Description no earlier than 7/03/2021; OR
(2) if close to completion, have all Ph.D. requirements completed and must submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date;
(3) meet the qualification requirements described in the Research Opportunity. The research proposal submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity.
Areas of PhD: Geology, Geochemistry, Economic Geology or related fields. Candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines, but with extensive knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered.

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for Geologist, all grade levels.

A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in geology. In addition to the geology course work included in the degree, it must also have included or been supplemented by 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography; OR

B. A combination of education and experience-course work as shown in "A" above (24 semester hours or the equivalent in geology plus 20 additional semester hours or the equivalent in any combination of courses as specified in "A" above), plus appropriate experience and/or additional education for a total of 4 years. The education or combined education and experience must be comparable in type, scope and thoroughness to that acquired through successful completion of a 4-year course of study as described in "A" above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

Examples of such experience could include planning and executing complex geologic studies, which usually involved intensive investigations into recognized phenomena. This work typically involved conventional methods & techniques though it required going beyond clear precedents and required adapting methods to the problems at hand and interpreting findings in terms of their scientific significance. At this level, Geologists have a very good knowledge of the principles of geology and their application, and the ability to independently perform scientific work of considerable difficulty.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
NOTICE TO NON-CITIZENS
Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. A Federal agency is permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position, AND the non-citizen meets the appropriation act and immigration laws. Read the information provided in the following link. If a non-citizen does not meet the appropriation act and immigration laws, then they cannot be considered for this Mendenhall Opportunity. Please contact the person under Agency Contact Information for questions about eligibility and further assistance. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/.Education:Foreign Education: Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobsEmployment Type: OTHER