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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

The short answer

This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 73 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.

How much AI could touch this job

More exposedband 4 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about half of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.

AI can help with or automate about 84% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Assess ground or surface water movement to provide advice on issues, such as waste management, route and site selection, or the restoration of contaminated sites.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Inspect construction projects to analyze engineering problems, using test equipment or drilling machinery.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Test industrial diamonds or abrasives, soil, or rocks to determine their geological characteristics, using optical, x-ray, heat, acid, or precision instruments.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Soil and Plant Scientists

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay42 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$79,980 vs your $88,826 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Oral Comprehension
    • Written Comprehension
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Oral Expression
    • Inductive Reasoning

    New skills to build

    • Biology
    • Food Production
    • Active Learning
    • Production and Processing
  • Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

    Similar work
    slightly less pay506 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$84,461 vs your $88,826 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Written Comprehension
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Oral Expression
    • Inductive Reasoning

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Surveyors

    Somewhat similar work
    slightly less pay239 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$81,080 vs your $88,826 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree, plus internship/residency.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Geography
    • Mathematics
    • Written Comprehension
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression

    New skills to build

    • Design
    • Building and Construction
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Production and Processing