Science & Research
Geologist Salary
Geologists study the Earth's physical aspects, analyzing rocks and geological processes for resource discovery.
Median Salary
$83,680
Mean Salary
$93,200
Total Employed
28,900
Job Growth
+5%
Geologist Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level geologists earn around $54,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $85,000. Senior-level geologists can earn $140,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for geologists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $51,000, while the top 10% earn $148,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $51,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $83,680 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $148,000 |
Geologist Salary by State
Geologist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $142,256, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $69,454.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $142,256 | Details → |
| #2 California | $115,478 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $112,968 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $103,763 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $102,090 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $96,232 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $96,232 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $93,722 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $92,048 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $92,048 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $87,864 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $87,864 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $87,864 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $87,027 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $84,517 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $84,517 | Details → |
| #17 Florida | $82,006 | Details → |
| #18 Maine | $82,006 | Details → |
| #19 Arizona | $81,170 | Details → |
| #20 Minnesota | $81,170 | Details → |
| #21 Nevada | $81,170 | Details → |
| #22 Utah | $81,170 | Details → |
| #23 Pennsylvania | $80,333 | Details → |
| #24 Illinois | $79,496 | Details → |
| #25 Montana | $79,496 | Details → |
| #26 Idaho | $78,659 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $77,822 | Details → |
| #28 New Mexico | $77,822 | Details → |
| #29 North Carolina | $76,986 | Details → |
| #30 Texas | $76,986 | Details → |
| #31 Wisconsin | $76,986 | Details → |
| #32 Wyoming | $76,986 | Details → |
| #33 Louisiana | $76,149 | Details → |
| #34 Indiana | $75,312 | Details → |
| #35 Michigan | $75,312 | Details → |
| #36 Nebraska | $75,312 | Details → |
| #37 North Dakota | $75,312 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $75,312 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $74,475 | Details → |
| #40 South Carolina | $74,475 | Details → |
| #41 Tennessee | $74,475 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $73,638 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $73,638 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $72,802 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $72,802 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $72,802 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $71,965 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $70,291 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $70,291 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $69,454 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Conduct geological surveys
- ● Analyze rock and mineral samples
- ● Create geological maps
- ● Evaluate resource potential
- ● Assess geological hazards
Top Skills
Field Geology GIS Rock Analysis Stratigraphy Environmental Assessment Technical Writing
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook
Faster than average — projected 5% growth over the next decade
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Frequently Asked Questions About Geologist Salaries
How much does a Geologist make per year? ▼
The median geologist salary in the United States is $83,680 per year. Entry-level positions start around $54,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $140,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $93,200.
How much does a Geologist make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $83,680 per year, a geologist earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for geologists? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for geologists, with a median salary of $142,256. Other top-paying states include California ($115,478) and Massachusetts ($112,968).
What education do you need to become a geologist? ▼
Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for geologists? ▼
Employment for geologists is projected to grow 5% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 28,900 geologists employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level geologist make? ▼
An entry-level geologist with 0-2 years of experience earns around $54,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $85,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $51,000, while the top 10% earn $148,000.