Science & Research California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Geologist Salary in California

The median geologist salary in California is $115,478 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$115,478
vs National
+$31,798
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Geologist Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level geologist earns around $74,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,200 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,520
+$20,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,300
+$32,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,200
+$53,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $70,380
25th Percentile $86,940
Median (50th) $115,478
75th Percentile $154,560
90th Percentile $204,240

Geologist Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for geologists in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$122,173
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$152,298
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$118,826
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$140,582
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$98,742
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Geologist in California

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Geologist Jobs in California

Browse open geologist positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in California

How much does a Geologist make in California? ▼
The median geologist salary in California is $115,478 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $70,380 (10th percentile) to $204,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,478, a geologist in California earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for geologists? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $74,520, while senior professionals earn $193,200.
How does California compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. California's median of $115,478 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($142,256) and Massachusetts ($112,968).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in California? ▼
An entry-level geologist in California earns approximately $74,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $117,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $193,200.
What city in California pays geologists the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for geologists, with a median salary of $152,298. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.