Skip to Content

Log in / Sign up

wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

Miner or Geologist in Stardew Valley: Which Profession Should You Pick?

Download Article

How to choose the best level 5 mining profession

Written by Kyle Smith

Last Updated: July 2, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

About the Professions

|

Which is better?

|

Level 10 Professions

|

Video

|

Tips

Stardew Valley is filled with tough choices. What to name your character? Which pet to pick? The topic of this article — Miner or Geologist? You’re presented with this choice at level 5 Mining. In short, the Miner is better because you can upgrade your tools quickly. But the choice also comes down to your preferred playstyle. This wikiHow compares the level 5 Mining professions, Miner and Geologist.

Things You Should Know

Miner gives you an extra ore per node.
Geologist gives you a 50% chance of finding 2 gems.
The Miner is better because you can upgrade your tools faster.

Section 1 of 3:

About the Professions

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This speeds up the ore collection process significantly. Each iron vein (also called a node) typically drops 1 to 3 iron ore. An extra ore for each node is great if you want to quickly upgrade your tools. ^{[1]
X
Research source} ^{[2]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
The Geologist gives you a chance to find two gems. Usually, you can only find one gem in a node or geode, but this profession makes it so that there’s a 50 percent chance of finding two. Since gems can sell for hundreds of gold, this is a great profession for making a lot of money.
- Gems are also often “liked” and “loved” gifts. If you’re trying to build up friendship points, it’s good to have spare gems around!
- Speaking of gold, there’s a way to change the profit margins in Stardew Valley if you’re looking for an increased challenge.

Advertisement

Section 2 of 3:

Which is better?

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
The Miner. An extra ore for every node adds up to a ton of ores in the long run. Ores are necessary for upgrading your tools — and upgrading your tools makes Stardew Valley significantly faster and easier, giving you more time to work on other tasks!
- Ultimately, when choosing, you should consider your playstyle. If you value faster tool upgrades, Miner is great. If you value an early source of additional gold and gifts, the Geologist is the way to go!
- Note that you can change your profession using a late game feature, but you’ll likely have your chosen profession for a while.
- See the next section for information on the level 10 professions, which vary depending on the level 5 profession you chose.

Section 3 of 3:

Level 10 Professions

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

1
The Miner can choose the Blacksmith or the Prospector. These level 10 professions have the following traits:
- Blacksmith - metal bars will sell for 50% more gold
- Prospector - chance to find double the amount of coal
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Miner-or-Geologist-Stardew-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
The Geologist can select the Excavator or the Gemologist. These level 10 professions have these attributes:
- Excavator - chance to get two geodes when you find one
- Gemologist - gems will sell for 30% more gold

Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Advertisement

Video

Tips

For more skill-related tips, check out how to fish and how to use bait .

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Advertisement

References

About This Article

Written by:

wikiHow Technology Writer

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Smith . Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. This article has been viewed 103,511 times.

2 votes - 50%

Co-authors: 3

Updated: July 2, 2024

Views: 103,511

Categories: Video Games

In other languages

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 103,511 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement

X

-

-

366

.mwimg a.image{display:none}#header_logo{display:none}#cse-search-box{display:none}#cse-search-box-noscript{display:block !important}#cse-search-box-noscript .cse_q{color:#FFF;background-color:#B3CE9C}.wh_search .cse_q{width:88%}#mw-mf-main-menu-button{display:none;visibility:hidden}.header .search{display:none}#search_footer .cse_sa{background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/white_mag.png);background-size:22px}.related_box{display:block;background:#EEE;border:5px solid #FFF;vertical-align:bottom;width:127px;background-size:180px;float:left;height:120px;position:relative}.related_box p{line-height:15px !important;font-size:13px;background-color:rgba(67,95,44,.4);color:#FFF;font-weight:bold;padding:8px;margin:0 !important;position:absolute;bottom:0}#noscript_header_logo{display:table-cell;vertical-align:middle;background-position:50% 77%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/wikihow_logo_230.png);background-size:105px;width:auto;height:51px;padding:0 14px}.articleinfo{display:none}#iorg_free_data{z-index:50;width:100%;position:fixed}#ara_recommendations{display:none}

Design a Mobile Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: