Science & Research Fayetteville, AR Pop. 93,949

Geologist Salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The median geologist salary in Fayetteville, AR is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$73,638
vs State Avg
+$3,347
vs National
$-10,042
Cost of Living
88%

Geologist Pay in Fayetteville: What to Expect (2026)

Fayetteville offers a median geologist salary of $73,638, which is $3,347 above the Arkansas state average of $70,291. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Fayetteville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fayetteville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $73,638 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Fayetteville an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Fayetteville spans from $44,880 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $85,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,520, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. Fayetteville is a smaller market (pop. 93,949), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Fayetteville by Experience

In Fayetteville, an entry-level geologist earns around $47,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fayetteville, AR

Percentile Fayetteville
10th Percentile $44,880
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $73,638
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Geologist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Little Rock, AR
$72,802
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$70,291
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$68,618
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$66,944
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Geologist in Fayetteville

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Fayetteville and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fayetteville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Fayetteville

Browse open geologist positions in Fayetteville, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Fayetteville

How much does a Geologist make in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
The median geologist salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $44,880 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Fayetteville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,638, a geologist in Fayetteville earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fayetteville compare to the Arkansas state average for geologist pay? ▼
Fayetteville's median geologist salary of $73,638 is 4.8% above the Arkansas state average of $70,291. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $73,638 in Fayetteville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Fayetteville? ▼
Most geologist positions in Fayetteville require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.