Examining the Earth: Careers in Geology and Archaeology

Geology and archaeology may appear to be unrelated fields, but they have a strong relationship. Both studies use tools (like the ones exhibited) to examine Earth’s features. Archeologists must have an awareness of geological sciences. Understanding materials used in the past, how to date Earth’s features, and using geological knowledge to reconstruct the past can help archaeologists study past cultures more authentically and accurately. In turn, geologists must be familiar with archaeological sciences as well. When doing field work, it is important for geologists to be able to recognize culturally significant items and preserve them. Blending the two studies into geoarchaeology benefits our understanding of the Earth and its past. 

The primary objective of geological technicians is to identify and extract the Earth’s natural resources. The typical tasks of a geological technician include the installation and maintenance of equipment, the gathering an preparation of samples for lab analysis, conducting tests to determine the content of field samples, and the recording of test data for compilation in reports and databases. The majority of geological technicians work in fields related to architecture and engineering, but some work in the field of mining and the extraction of oil and natural gas. Only about 1% of geologists work in the field of transportation management. While some institutions prefer a bachelor’s degree, one can generally enter the field with an associate’s degree. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median pay for geologists was $53,440 per year, and the field is projected to grow at a rate of 3% over the next decade. 

The main goal of anthropologists and archeologists is to study the behavior, origins, and development of human civilization by studying the culture and characteristics of civilizations in the past and present. They are tasked with writing and presenting field research findings, designing and coordinating data collection for a particular region or project, and advising organization on the cultural impact of policies, programs, and products. Archeologists work in various settings, such as museums, historical sites, and laboratories, with the largest employers being research and development at 27%, and the smallest employer being academic institutions at 5%. Typically, an archeologist should be expected to have a master's degree, with some positions even requiring a Ph.D. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, median pay for anthropologists and archeologists was around $63,800 per year, and the job outlook is expected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033. 

That all sounds cool, but how does it affect me? Geology and archeology impact our day-to-day lives. Archaeologists put together left-behind clues to help us understand the past. Preserving materials found in field work ensures that the stories of material culture will be told for decades to come. Without archaeology, our knowledge of how cultures have changed over time would be different.  

Geology has a more direct influence in our modern lives. First of all, it keeps us safe. Geologists study soil, water sources, seismic activity, and other landscape conditions. That helps farmers understand soil health for crops, locate safe drinking water, prepare humans for natural disasters, and assess infrastructure safety, respectively. Geologists also research which minerals should be used in construction, phone manufacturing, and health supplements. Geology takes humanity into the future as well. Experimenting with natural resources gives an understanding of climate change, and how we can use new renewable resources for good.