by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Paleontology involves the study of Paleontology. A Program That Focuses On The Scientific Study Of Extinct Life Forms And Associated Fossil Remains, And The Reconstruction And Analysis Of Ancient Life Forms, Ecosystems, And Geologic Processes. Includes Instruction In Sedimentation And Fossilization Processes, Fossil Chemistry, Evolutionary Biology, Paleoecology, Paleoclimatology, Trace Fossils, Micropaleontology, Invertebrate Paleontology, Vertebrate Paleontology, Paleobotany, Field Research Methods, And Laboratory Research And Conservation Methods. Continue reading for the essential details every paleontology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering paleontology programs.
Nationwide, paleontology draws strong interest, with 25 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Paleontology Schools ranking analyzes these 5 schools to determine the best overall colleges for paleontology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of paleontology programs later in this article.
Coursework for Paleontology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations paleontology graduates commonly enter.
The skill set emphasized by a paleontology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a paleontology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several paleontology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 4 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 10 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 11 |
People currently working in careers related to paleontology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 31.1% |
| Master’s degree | 28.5% |
| Doctoral degree | 14.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 10.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.0% |
| Some college courses | 3.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.3% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in paleontology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in paleontology prepares you for many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to paleontology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to paleontology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 615,002 | 10.3% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | 150,428 | 4.5% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of paleontology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $42,682 |
| 4 years | $54,219 |
| 5 years | $61,701 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for paleontology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers paleontology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,801 |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | $58,500 |
With 5 different paleontology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased paleontology school rankings to help you.
Those considering paleontology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Geology/Earth Science, General | 5,715 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other | 863 |
| Oceanography, Chemical and Physical | 569 |
| Hydrology and Water Resources Science | 220 |
| Geophysics and Seismology | 197 |
| Geochemistry | 33 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
