Science & Research Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Geologist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median geologist salary in Sacramento, CA is $98,742 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$98,742
vs State Avg
$-16,736
vs National
+$15,062
Cost of Living
118%

Geologist Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median geologist salary of $98,742, which is $16,736 below the California state average of $115,478. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $98,742 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for geologists in Sacramento spans from $60,180 at the 10th percentile to $174,640 at the 90th percentile — a $114,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,720, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $165,200. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Geologist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level geologist earns around $63,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,720
+$9,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,300
+$15,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,200
+$25,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $60,180
25th Percentile $74,340
Median (50th) $98,742
75th Percentile $132,160
90th Percentile $174,640

Geologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$152,298
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$140,582
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$122,173
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$118,826
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Geologist in Sacramento

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open geologist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Geologist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Sacramento, California is $98,742 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $60,180 (10th percentile) to $174,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,742, a geologist in Sacramento earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for geologist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median geologist salary of $98,742 is 14.5% below the California state average of $115,478. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $98,742 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Sacramento? ▼
Most geologist positions in Sacramento 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.