Geologists are extremely important in enabling us to learn about the Earth, which is why we decided to determine the 11 cities with the highest demand for geologists. A geologist is a person who tries to learn about the Earth by studying the matter, whether solid or liquid, which comprises the Earth as well as the history which has resulted in its current shape and state.
In order to be able to study geology, potential geologists need to use knowledge from chemistry, physics and biology. Geologists are extremely versatile, with their workplace ranging from a scientific laboratory to the open ground, where they can use gloves, pick axes and glasses in order to discover more.
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Geologists are often employed in mines, where they help in the search for resources from the Earth, which can include oil and various metals. In addition, geologists are often employed in weather research, which allows them to help in the prediction of various natural disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and even volcanic activity which could potentially save lives.
Geologists are few and far in between. This is in stark contrast to chemical engineers, as seen in the 11 cities with the highest demand for chemical engineers, which number over a quarter of a million in the United States alone. Truth be told, there are less than 40,000 geologists in the United States, though this number is expected to grow as the job gains more traction as a tool of the economy rather than for academic research.
In order to determine the cities which value geologists, we determined the average annual salary for a geologist in the city, as a higher salary means greater demand. We also determined the total number of jobs available for geologists, as more jobs mean greater demand and requirement for geologists. Using multiple criteria helps create better rankings as it cancels out the inherent bias present in any specific criteria. We obtained our data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
11. San Jose area, CA
Salary for geologists in the city: $91,740
Ranking according to salary for geologists in the city: 15
Total employment for geologists in the city: 170
Ranking according to total employment for geologists in the city: 14
Overall score: 15.5
10. San Diego area, CA
Salary for geologists in the city: $87,020
Ranking according to salary for geologists in the city: 21
Total employment for geologists in the city: 410
Ranking according to total employment for geologists in the city: 7
Overall score: 16
8. Anaheim area, CA
Salary for geologists in the city: $81,560
Ranking according to salary for geologists in the city: 23
Total employment for geologists in the city: 930
Ranking according to total employment for geologists in the city: 2
Overall score: 17.5
8. Ventura area, CA
Salary for geologists in the city: $111,36
Ranking according to salary for geologists in the city: 26
Total employment for geologists in the city: 100
Ranking according to total employment for geologists in the city: 19
Overall score: 17.5
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7. Sacramento area, CA
Salary for geologists in the city: $92,340
Ranking according to salary for geologists in the city: 13
Total employment for geologists in the city: 440
Ranking according to total employment for geologists in the city: 6
Overall score: 20.5
6. Bakersfield area, CA
Salary for geologists in the city: $140,740
Ranking according to salary for geologists in the city: 1
Total employment for geologists in the city: 190
Ranking according to total employment for geologists in the city: 13
Overall score: 23
5. Washington, DC area
Salary for geologists in the city: $115,380
Ranking according to salary for geologists in the city: 4
Total employment for geologists in the city: 380
Ranking according to total employment for geologists in the city: 8
Overall score: 24
2. San Francisco area, CA
Salary for geologists in the city: $111,360
Ranking according to salary for geologists in the city: 4
Total employment for geologists in the city: 620
Ranking according to total employment for geologists in the city: 4
Overall score: 24.5
2. Los Angeles area, CA
Salary for geologists in the city: $99,310
Ranking according to salary for geologists in the city: 8
Total employment for geologists in the city: 850
Ranking according to total employment for geologists in the city: 3
Overall score: 24.5
2. Anchorage, AK
Salary for geologists in the city: $132,530
Ranking according to salary for geologists in the city: 2
Total employment for geologists in the city: 360
Ranking according to total employment for geologists in the city: 9
Overall score: 24.5
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1. Denver area, CO
Salary for geologists in the city: $116,390
Ranking according to salary for geologists in the city: 3
Total employment for geologists in the city: 1,990
Ranking according to total employment for geologists in the city: 1
Overall score: 28
Providing an excellent salary as well as ample opportunity for employment, the area of Denver-Aurora-Broomfield tops the list of 11 cities with the highest demand for geologists.
