Volcanology Job Description

by Jeffrey Joyner
Some volcanic eruptions cause damages far beyond the immediate vicinity.

Some volcanic eruptions cause damages far beyond the immediate vicinity.

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Volcanology is considered one of the geosciences, which are the sciences devoted to the study of the Earth and its natural processes. Volcanologists are geologists who specialize in the study of volcanoes, both active and dormant. They seek knowledge about how volcanoes form, study past eruptions and attempt to determine the likelihood that an eruption is imminent. Their work is not performed just to satisfy scientific curiosity, but primarily to protect the lives of inhabitants residing near volcanoes.

Primary Job Tasks

Precise tasks vary, but there are common duties. Volcanologists monitor activity around active volcanoes, looking for signs that the magma chamber is expanding or that pressure is building up. They use a variety of tools, such as seismographs to measure earthquakes or other seismic activity and GPS devices to measure changes in a volcano’s height. Images from satellites, infrared cameras and feeds from webcams allow them to keep an eye on a volcano from a safe viewpoint. They collect samples of lava and volcanic gases and then analyze the samples to determine the elements comprising the samples. Much work is also performed in the laboratory, such as creating computer models to predict the consequences of an eruption or conducting tests on samples.

Secondary Job Tasks

Volcanologists must distribute their findings to their peers, local officials and the public. Part of a volcanologist’s job is to prepare reports and scientific papers. The volcanologist must tailor his writing to match his paper’s intended audience. Volcanologists sometimes work with local emergency management teams regarding evacuation plans, such as which areas will need to be cleared first and the best route for evacuees to take.


Many volcanologists begin preparing for their careers while still in high school, taking courses such as chemistry, trigonometry, physics and calculus. They must then earn a bachelor’s degree. Few universities offer degrees in volcanology, so volcanologists normally earn their degrees in geology. A bachelor’s degree offers limited opportunities for employment in volcanology, mostly as a technician or assistant. To teach or conduct independent research, volcanologists need a Ph.D. in geology.


Few jobs for volcanologists exist. The U.S. Geological Survey employs fewer than 100 volcanologists, all with a minimum of a master’s degree. Most volcanologists working for the federal government are employed by the USGS. A few state governments, such as Alaska, have occasional openings for volcanologists. Many volcanologists find positions in the academic world, but these usually involve related fields, such as seismology or geology, rather than pure volcanology. Because of the limited number of jobs, competition is stiff for both academic and government jobs.


As there are few jobs for volcanologists, it is difficult to provide accurate salary data. According to Oregon State University, salaries can range from $30,000 to $90,000 per year, with experienced volcanologists earning around $48,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics includes volcanologists with other geoscientists and, as of May 2012, reported an annual median salary of $90,890 for the category. However, the BLS included occupations such as petroleum geologists and geophysicists, which makes the data suspect. For example, petroleum manufacturers do not employ volcanologists, but they paid geoscientists an average of $155,830 annually. Almost one-fourth of the nation’s geoscientists worked in oil and gas extraction – again eliminating volcanologists – and averaged $149,750 per year.

2016 Salary Information for Geoscientists


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