Current Trends in the Geoscience WorkforceHeather HoultonChristopher KeaneCarolyn Wilson

Where do Geoscientists Work?

19% 18%

14% 13%

6% 5% 4%4% 4% 4%

2%1% 1% 1% 1%

0%2%4%6%8%

10%12%14%16%18%20%

Per

cent

age

of G

eosc

ienc

eD

egre

e R

ecip

ient

s

Where do Geoscience Degree Recipients Work?(2006)

Source: AGI Geoscience Workforce Program; data derived from NSF's 2006 SESTAT Restricted Access Files. SESTAT is the Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System.The use of NSF data does not imply NSF endorsement of the research, research methods, or conclusions contained in this report.

How much

Moneycan you earn?

$40,000

$50,000

$60,000

$70,000

$80,000

$90,000

$100,000

$110,000

$120,000

$130,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Me

an A

nn

ual

Sal

ary

(U

SD

)

Mean Annual Salaries of Geoscience Professions(1999-2010)

Engineering Managers

Petroleum Engineers

Natural Science Managers

Environmental Engineers

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Geoscientists

Mining and Geological Engineers

Hydrologists

All Life, Physical, and Social Scientists

Environmental Scientists

Geographers

Source: AGI Gesocience Workforce Program, data derived from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Occupational Employ ment and Wage Estimates

Bachelor’s: 30%Master’s: 43%Doctorate: 66%

Geoscience Grads Continuing on to Geoscience Careers

262,627 geoscience jobs today

~130,000 geoscientists expected to retire

72,000 geoscience job growth by 2021 (BLS)

15,000 total new graduates (MS or PhD)

45,000 total new graduates if hiring BS/BA

OR

Net deficit of over 150,000 geoscientists by 2021

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

<30 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65+Pe

rce

nt

of

To

tal

Ge

os

cie

nti

sts

Age Group

Age Distribution of Geoscientists in the U.S. Government

(2003-2010)

2003200520072010

Source: AGI Geoscience Workforce Program. Data derived f rom the Off ice of Personnel Management fedscope database.

Attrition, Growth and Replacementin the next 10 years in the U.S.

What are geoscience employers seeking?

• Strong math and problem solving skills• An Understanding of fundamental concepts• Having Flexibility in working environment• Willingness to travel• To proficiently communicate

science concepts • Having field experience