Science & Research Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Geologist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median geologist salary in Denver, CO is $93,722 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$93,722
vs State Avg
+$5,858
vs National
+$10,042
Cost of Living
112%

Geologist Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median geologist salary of $93,722, which is $5,858 above the Colorado state average of $87,864. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $93,722 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for geologists in Denver spans from $57,120 at the 10th percentile to $165,760 at the 90th percentile — a $108,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,480, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $156,800. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Geologist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level geologist earns around $60,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,480
+$6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,200
+$10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,800
+$16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $57,120
25th Percentile $70,560
Median (50th) $93,722
75th Percentile $125,440
90th Percentile $165,760

Geologist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$107,110
Pop. 105,673
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 Denver

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Denver 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Denver

Browse open geologist positions in Denver, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Denver

How much does a Geologist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median geologist salary in Denver, Colorado is $93,722 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $57,120 (10th percentile) to $165,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,722, a geologist in Denver earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for geologist pay? ▼
Denver's median geologist salary of $93,722 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $87,864. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $93,722 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Denver? ▼
Most geologist positions in Denver 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.