Science & Research Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Geologist Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median geologist salary in Boulder, CO is $107,110 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$107,110
vs State Avg
+$19,246
vs National
+$23,430
Cost of Living
128%

Geologist Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median geologist salary of $107,110, which is $19,246 above the Colorado state average of $87,864. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $107,110 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for geologists in Boulder spans from $65,280 at the 10th percentile to $189,440 at the 90th percentile — a $124,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,120, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $179,200. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level geologist earns around $69,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,120
+$15,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$108,800
+$23,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,200
+$39,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $65,280
25th Percentile $80,640
Median (50th) $107,110
75th Percentile $143,360
90th Percentile $189,440

Geologist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$93,722
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$88,701
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$87,864
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$83,680
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Geologist in Boulder

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Boulder

Browse open geologist positions in Boulder, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Boulder

How much does a Geologist make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median geologist salary in Boulder, Colorado is $107,110 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $65,280 (10th percentile) to $189,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $107,110, a geologist in Boulder earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for geologist pay? ▼
Boulder's median geologist salary of $107,110 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $87,864. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $107,110 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Boulder? ▼
Most geologist positions in Boulder 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.