Paleontologist
What is a Paleontologist?
Dust off the sands of time as you come face to face with the prehistoric!
Paleontologists are time travelers, seeking to uncover the secrets of the past. From the smallest trilobite to the greatest titanosaur, paleontologists work to discover, identify, and catalog plant and animal fossils, leading to valuable insights on past climates and extinction events. Much of the work is done in the lab, where fossils or ancient pollen are examined and studied. Many choose to teach at universities or work at museums, sharing their expertise and knowledge with students and colleagues, and most paleontologists specialize in a certain subject, such as the study of microfossils or the study of botanical fossils. Fieldwork is certainly a crucial aspect of the job, frequently requiring paleontologists to journey into often remote and strenuous terrain in order to collect samples, visit dig sites, and examine geological sites that could potentially be hiding ancient fossils.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes paleontology under the umbrella of geoscientists, who make an average yearly salary of about $99,240, or about $47.71 an hour, as of May 2024. They also estimated an industry growth rate of about five percent from 2023 to 2033. To be a paleontologist, a master's degree is typically required, and many positions, such as professors, prefer a Ph.D. However, there are many opportunities for undergraduate students to get experience in the field, especially at BYU. If being a modern-day treasure hunter and expert dinosaur tamer sounds like the career for you, consider becoming a paleontologist today!
For more information:
Becoming a Paleontologist: Steps to Follow
Geoscientists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Paleontology - Careers, Salary, How to Become, Education
