Paleontology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the ancient history of life on Earth through the scientific examination of fossilized organisms and their environments. This program equips students with the analytical and investigative skills needed to interpret the evolutionary record, reconstruct past ecosystems, and understand the geological contexts in which ancient life existed.
- Sedimentation and fossilization processes: Study how organic remains become preserved in sedimentary rock through natural geological mechanisms over millions of years.
- Fossil chemistry: Investigate the molecular and mineral composition of fossils to uncover details about original biological materials and post-mortem transformations.
- Evolutionary biology: Examine patterns of species change over time, including adaptation, speciation, and extinction events through the fossil record.
- Paleoecology: Reconstruct ancient environments and the interactions between organisms and their ecosystems based on fossil assemblages.
- Paleoclimatology: Analyze fossil evidence to infer past climate conditions and understand long-term environmental change.
- Trace fossils: Study indirect evidence of ancient life, such as footprints, burrows, and feeding marks, to interpret behavior and activity.
- Micropaleontology: Focus on microscopic fossils, including foraminifera and diatoms, used in biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental reconstruction.
- Invertebrate paleontology: Explore the fossil record of non-vertebrate animals, such as mollusks, arthropods, and echinoderms.
- Vertebrate paleontology: Investigate the evolution, anatomy, and paleobiology of ancient vertebrates, including dinosaurs and early mammals.
- Paleobotany: Study fossilized plants to understand the history of plant evolution, terrestrial ecosystems, and ancient vegetation patterns.
- Field research methods: Gain hands-on experience in fossil prospecting, excavation techniques, and geological mapping in natural settings.
- Laboratory research and conservation methods: Develop skills in fossil preparation, curation, documentation, and preservation using advanced scientific techniques.
Paleontology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Paleontology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Paleontology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 134,860 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1051 | $101,390 | $53,310 - $199,260 | 11,480 | N/A |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 19-2042 | $99,240 | $58,790 - $178,880 | 22,510 | $47.71 |
Paleontology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $72,340 in Louisiana to $164,650 in District of Columbia—a 128% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, California, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 134,860 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Paleontology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Paleontology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Paleontology is found at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Main Campus (10 graduates), Missouri State University, Springfield (5 graduates), Mesalands Community College (MCC) (4 graduates), Rowan University (3 graduates), and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 25 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
5 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Mesalands Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Tucumcari, New Mexico | Public | mesalands.edu |
| Rowan University |
Other Award
|
3 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
Master's
|
3 | Rapid City, South Dakota | Public | sdsmt.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Paleontology programs
How much can I earn with a Paleontology degree?
Salaries for Paleontology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $101,390. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $164,650 compared to $72,340 in Louisiana. Approximately 134,860 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Paleontology programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Paleontology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Main Campus (10 graduates), Missouri State University, Springfield (5 graduates), and Mesalands Community College (MCC) (4 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Paleontology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 5 in 2010 to 25 in 2023-24. This represents a 400% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Paleontology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers. Related occupations employ approximately 134,860 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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