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Data Brief 2014-009

Written and compiled by Carolyn E. Wilson for AGI, August 2014 Data Brief 2014-009Written and compiled by Carolyn E. Wilson for AGI, August 2014 Download Print Version

The graph shows the 2013 median annual salaries for geoscience-related occupations in the United States as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The colors represent a different occupational category. The columns in the lighter colors display the annual median salary for a broad occupational grouping. The darker colors are specific geoscience occupations within the broad occupational groups. Except for soil and plant scientists and technician occupations, the median salaries for the geoscience occupations are higher than the median salaries for the broader occupation groups. The average median annual salary for geoscience-related occupations in 2013 was $83,311.

Since 2011 (Currents #62), all but five (atmospheric and space scientists, geographers, environmental science and protection technicians, engineering postsecondary teachers, and atmospheric, earth, marine and space sciences postsecondary teachers) of the geoscience occupations saw increases in their median annual salaries, and the decreases ranged only from $10-$2760 per year. Petroleum engineers had the highest increase in median annual salary since 2011 jumping by over $10,000. The geosciences continue to be a lucrative employment option within the current workforce.

Data Brief 2014-009Written and compiled by Carolyn E. Wilson for AGI, August 2014