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What Do You Call a Person Who Studies Fossils?

Geosciences incorporate all the sciences that study earth and its history. Paleontology is the science of studying fossils. A paleontologist is the scientist working in this occupational field. A paleontologist excavates, rebuilds and interprets information gathered from fossils.

Places of Employment
- The majority of paleontologists work as professors at universities. Paleontologists can also work in the field as researchers and government surveyors. Museums hire paleontologists to coordinate exhibits. Others work in the petroleum industry looking for new oil sources.
Education
- Minimum education requirement for a paleontologist is a bachelor's degree in geology with a master's in paleontology. A Ph.D is required for research and fieldwork.
Education Courses
- Courses for a paleontologist are geology, ecology, evolution, English and mathematics.
Job Growth
- Occupational growth in the geosciences field was projected to increase at a 22 percent rate between 2006 and 2016. according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that by 2016 there will be 6,800 new jobs available.
Salary
- An entry-level position for a paleontologist pays an average of $36,580 a year. The average salary is around $67,470. The highest average pay for a paleontologist is $133,310.

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