Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians score 39 out of 100, which is moderate exposure to AI. That ranks #431 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 30 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 1 on its own and 21 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 2 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

39/ 100

Moderate

Rank: #431of 923 jobs
US workers: 6,980BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $53,350a year
In real AI use: 2 of 30tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (3%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 21 (70%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 8 (27%)

Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Interview individuals, and research public databases in order to obtain information.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Plot information from aerial photographs, well logs, section descriptions, or other databases.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Plan and direct activities of workers who operate equipment to collect data.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Participate in the evaluation of possible mining locations.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Assess the environmental impacts of development projects on subsurface materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Evaluate and interpret core samples and cuttings, and other geological data used in prospecting for oil or gas.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Develop and design packing materials and handling procedures for shipping of objects.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Collaborate with hydrogeologists to evaluate groundwater or well circulation.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.AI can speed this up with extra software
Collect data on underground areas, such as reservoirs, that could be used in carbon sequestration operations.AI can speed this up with extra software
Collect geological data from potential geothermal energy plant sites.AI can speed this up with extra software
Compile data used to address environmental issues, such as the suitability of potential landfill sites.AI can speed this up with extra software
Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.AI can speed this up with extra software
Evaluate and interpret seismic data with the aid of computers.AI can speed this up with extra software
Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Operate or adjust equipment or apparatus used to obtain geological data.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Set up or direct set-up of instruments used to collect geological data.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Supervise well exploration, drilling activities, or well completions.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Inspect engines for wear or defective parts, using equipment or measuring devices.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

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Questions about geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians and AI

Will AI replace geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians score 39 out of 100 (moderate exposure), #431 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 22 of the job's 30 tasks, 1 of them on its own, while 8 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems".

Which geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis"; "Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs"; "Adjust or repair testing, electrical, or mechanical equipment or devices".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 2 of the 30 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians, and what do they earn?

About 6,980 people in the US, with median pay of $53,350 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.