Geochemist Courses
A Geochemist studies the chemical properties of rocks and minerals to enhance environmental quality, locate fossil fuels, and advise on conservation practices.
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AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Geochemist
Get qualified to work as a Geochemist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
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The Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Chemistry) immerses students in focused research tailored to their interests. This comprehensive course equips learners with state-of-the-art research techniques and first-hand experience using cutting-edge instruments in newly renovated laboratories. By extending the foundational knowledge gained during undergraduate studies, the honours course profoundly enhances skillsets. Such advanced training not only augments immediate employment prospects but also paves the way f...
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Common questions
How much do Geochemists earn?
The average weekly salary for a Geochemist in Australia is approximately $1,422, translating to an annual salary range of about $73,150 to $76,150. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining post-graduate qualifications in a specialist field (eg, environmental science, computer science, mineralogy, structural geology) and joining a professional organisation such as the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) or Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).
What are the job opportunities for Geochemists?
There are no clear employment figures for Geochemists working in Australia right now. They are employed by large corporations, especially in the resources, mining, conservation and renewable energy sectors. Other employment opportunities exist in industrial agriculture, academia and education, and government advisory services. Some Geochemists are self-employed consultants.
How do I become a Geochemist?
Get started as a Geochemist in Australia with a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry/Earth Science) or Bachelor of Earth Sciences (Geochemistry) followed by a Master of Geoscience. You will also benefit from a Master’s degree or PhD in a specialist field such as Environmental Science, Earth Science, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Structure Geology, and more.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
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These nationally recognised qualifications teach the fundamentals of laboratory testing and field work and can be applied to any industry (eg, mining, food technology, health, manufacturing).
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More information
Geochemists are scientific professionals who have extensive knowledge of (both) chemistry and the earth sciences. They study the chemical structure of rocks and minerals and use their skills and knowledge to improve water and air quality, locate fossil fuels, improve agricultural and mining processes, and advise the government on conservation and waste management best practices.
As a Geochemist you could be collecting rock samples using drill-hole techniques from a proposed mining site, conducting a geochemical soil analysis for a government agency, tracking chemical elements in groundwater, supervising the entry of field data into a database, writing a report based on your fieldwork and laboratory tests, or attending an international conference for Geochemists and geoscience professionals.
Geochemists spend a lot of time outdoors, collecting field samples, analysing terrain, and running tests. To succeed you’ll need to be physically fit and willing to travel to remote, regional, and (very often) rugged locations.
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