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Petrology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Postdoc: Lunar Volatiles

Campus, IL

$47K - $64K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

D. in Petrology, Geochemistry, Planetary Science, or a related field * In-depth knowledge of petrography, mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry * Experience in microbeam analyses such as SEM, EMP ...

City of New York

Project Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

... petrology; hydrology; hydrogeology; geomorphology; subsurface explorations; mining; engineering; mapping; surveying; site investigations; geologic field work; or closely related areas; and B. At ...

City of New York

Project Manager

Floral Park, NY · On-site

... petrology; hydrology; hydrogeology; geomorphology; subsurface explorations; mining; engineering; mapping; surveying; site investigations; geologic field work; or closely related areas; and B. At ...

State of Michigan

Geologist 9-P11 - Limited Term

Lansing, MI · On-site

$25.03 - $42.18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... petrology, structural geology and field instruction. In addition, the candidate must have 21 semester (32 quarter term) credits in elective geology coursework; and two courses each in calculus ...

City of New York

Project Manager

Floral Park, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... petrology; hydrology; hydrogeology; geomorphology; subsurface explorations; mining; engineering; mapping; surveying; site investigations; geologic field work; or closely related areas; and B. At ...

City of New York

Project Manager

Floral Park, NY · On-site

... petrology; hydrology; hydrogeology; geomorphology; subsurface explorations; mining; engineering; mapping; surveying; site investigations; geologic field work; or closely related areas; and B. At ...

City of New York

Project Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

... petrology; hydrology; hydrogeology; geomorphology; subsurface explorations; mining; engineering; mapping; surveying; site investigations; geologic field work; or closely related areas; and B. At ...

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How much do petrology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for petrology in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is petrology?

A petrology job involves studying rocks, their composition, origin, and history to understand Earth's geological processes. Petrologists analyze rock samples using microscopes, chemical tests, and advanced instruments to classify minerals and interpret geological conditions. They often work in research, mining, oil exploration, or environmental consultancy. Their findings help industries locate natural resources, assess environmental impacts, and advance scientific knowledge of Earth's structure.

What are the typical daily tasks and work environment for a petrologist?

Petrologists typically split their time between laboratory analysis, data interpretation, and fieldwork collecting rock samples. In the lab, you'll use specialized equipment to study the mineral composition and formation history of rocks, while also compiling and interpreting complex geological data. Collaboration with fellow geologists, geochemists, and often industry partners is a regular aspect of the job, especially when working on large-scale exploration or research projects. Depending on your employer, you may work in academic, government, or private industry settings, each offering unique team structures and professional growth opportunities. This dynamic and varied work environment makes petrology both intellectually stimulating and rewarding for those passionate about Earth sciences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in petrology, and why are they important?

To thrive in Petrology, a strong background in geology, mineralogy, and geochemistry is essential, often supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in geosciences or a related field. Experience with laboratory analytical instruments such as petrographic microscopes, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopes (SEM), as well as familiarity with geological mapping software, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication help petrologists excel in research and collaborative environments. These skills are crucial for accurately analyzing rock samples, interpreting geological data, and effectively sharing findings with colleagues and stakeholders.

How much does a petrologist get paid?

Petrologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on industry, with those working in oil and gas or consulting often earning higher wages, and advanced skills in mineral analysis and fieldwork can influence compensation.

What are the career paths in petrology?

Petrologists can pursue careers in academia, government agencies, environmental consulting, mining companies, and oil and gas industries. They often work as research scientists, geological consultants, or mineralogists, utilizing skills in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. Advanced degrees and expertise in mineral identification, petrographic techniques, and geochemical analysis are typically required for progression.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Petrology jobs?

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What states have the most Petrology jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Petrology jobs look for?

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Infographic showing various Petrology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Postdoc: Lunar Volatiles

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Campus, IL

$47K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers-literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission-your opportunity-is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you're driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA technical resources. Cross-discipline teamwork is standard here: colleagues across JPL's science and engineering organizations and on Caltech's academic campus often work together. Learning to speak and understand other disciplines' languages is a doorway to the creativity needed to do what has not been done before. JPL staff are encouraged to create mission concepts that address humanity's core questions through a combination of science and technology. They are supported in developing ideas into proposals and hardware, and in communicating funded missions' results to the scientific community and the broader public. JPL seeks to employ scientists and engineers who are passionate about lifelong learning and excited to both contribute to and lead team efforts. We emphasize the importance of partnering across discipline boundaries and creating a friendly, constructive work environment to overcome space exploration's challenges. The Postdoctoral scholars at JPL benefit from an informal mentoring network, an annual conference showcasing their results, a dedicated seminar series, exposure to diverse career paths, and social connections across the JPL and Caltech community for advice on housing, childcare, and other aspects of living in southern California.

JPL's Planetary Geology group is seeking a postdoc who will join them in the study of volatiles in lunar igneous rocks.

The selected postdoc will focus on the following:

  • Characterizing the texture of lunar samples,

  • Determining the mineral chemistry,

  • Measuring volatile abundances in minerals and glasses,

  • Interpreting the volatile data based on the petrogenesis of the sample,

  • Collaboration with scientists at different institutions to place observations in regional context to answer questions about the Moon's differentiation and evolution.

The postdoc is expected lead conference abstracts and associated presentations and write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. The successful applicant is also encouraged to design and conduct their own research that enhances the tasks above.

Required Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Petrology, Geochemistry, Planetary Science, or a related field

  • In-depth knowledge of petrography, mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry

  • Experience in microbeam analyses such as SEM, EMP, SIMS

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of lunar science

  • Demonstrated proficiency in writing peer-reviewed publications

  • Demonstrated experience in writing/developing research grants/proposals

The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.

Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA. Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years. Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter stating their research accomplishments and interests.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee's start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$83,820 - $83,820

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.

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