How to Become a Paleontologist
A Roadmap to Professional Paleontology
The Path to Becoming a Paleontologist
8 key stages from education to professional career
Develop Strong Science Foundations (Ages 10-18)
Excel in science and math courses including biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. The stronger your foundation, the more options available later.
Pursue Undergraduate Degree (4 years)
Earn a B.S. in geology, biology, or related field. This is essential for entering paleontology. Consider schools with active paleontology programs.
Gain Fieldwork Experience
Paleontology requires hands-on experience. Pursue internships and field schools to develop essential excavation and prospecting skills.
Apply to Graduate School
Select programs matching your research interests. Strong GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and field experience are important.
Complete Master's Degree (2 years, optional)
An M.S. develops specialized expertise and allows you to decide if doctoral study is right for you. Many paleontologists stop here.
Pursue Ph.D. (5-7 years)
Required for academic careers and many research positions. Invest in developing independent research expertise and research skills.
Pursue Postdoctoral Research
Most academic careers require 1-3 years of postdoctoral research. This strengthens your credentials and expands your research network.
Secure Professional Position
Apply for faculty positions, museum curator roles, research scientist positions, or other paleontology careers. Competition is significant but rewarding.
Important Considerations
Realistic expectations for paleontology careers
Competition
Paleontology careers are competitive. Many qualified candidates apply for limited positions. Strong credentials, publications, and networking are essential. Have backup career plans in geology or education.
Time Investment
Reaching academic positions requires 10-15 years minimum (through postdoc). Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years. Be prepared for graduate school on modest stipends. Career timeline is significant.
Funding & Support
Research funding can be unstable. Grant-dependent salaries and positions. Research costs for fieldwork and equipment are substantial. Budget planning is essential for professional researchers.
Specialization Trends
Computational and biomechanical paleontology increasingly important. Digital skills (coding, 3D modeling) now valuable. Traditional taxonomy positions declining. Adapt to evolving field.
Geographic Flexibility
Be prepared to relocate for graduate school and postdoctoral positions. Limited positions in any single location. International opportunities may require visa sponsorship and negotiation.
Passion Requirement
Paleontology requires genuine passion given competitive job market and modest salaries. Love of science, fossils, and discovery is essential. Intrinsic motivation matters more than financial rewards.
Alternative Pathways
Not all paleontologists follow traditional academic routes
Museum & Collection Career
M.S. or Ph.D. in paleontology → Museum curator or collections manager position. Curate collections, conduct research on museum specimens, develop exhibits. Career path emphasizes curation over original research. Often similar job security to academic positions.
Industry Paleontology
M.S. + biostratigraphy training → Oil & gas, mining, or environmental consulting. Often better salary and job security than academia. Less research freedom but applied expertise valued. Micropalaeontology especially marketable to industry.
Science Communication
B.S./M.S. in paleontology + writing/media skills → Science journalism, documentary production, museum education. Growing field with new opportunities in podcasts and digital media. Combines paleontology with communication.
Teaching & Education
B.S./M.S. + education certification → High school teacher, museum educator, or science writer. Stable employment, more work-life balance than research positions. Direct impact on public science literacy. Teaching ability increasingly valued.
Fossil Preparation
High school + apprenticeship → Skilled preparation specialist. Work for museums, private companies, or universities. Specialized, valued expertise. On-the-job training model. Direct work with fossils without extended academic training.
Resources & Organizations
Connect with the paleontological community
Professional Organizations
- • Paleontological Society
- • Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
- • American Association of Physical Anthropologists
- • Geological Society of America (GSA)
- • International Commission on Stratigraphy
Learning Resources
- • Online paleontology courses and MOOCs
- • Museum programs and internships
- • Field schools and expeditions
- • Paleontology journals and publications
- • University research groups and labs