Employment of geological and petroleum technicians is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Strong demand for natural gas is expected to increase demand for geological exploration and extraction in the future.
Because geological and petroleum technicians sometimes are involved in ongoing production processes, such as monitoring a well's productivity, more of these workers will be needed as production increases. Demand for exploration of resources such as coal, metals, and other mined goods generally is expected to continue as it has historically or even to increase over the projection period. This growth will be due to the growing world population and number of industrialized countries.
Job Prospects
The best job prospects will be for those technicians who have hands-on training, through an internship or co-op program, and technical skills in computer programs such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Geological and Petroleum Technicians
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Geological and petroleum technicians
12%
Total, all occupations
7%
Life, physical, and social science technicians
5%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program