Science & Research Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Geologist Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median geologist salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$73,638
vs State Avg
$-837
vs National
$-10,042
Cost of Living
88%

Geologist Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median geologist salary of $73,638, which is $837 below the Iowa state average of $74,475. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids'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 Cedar Rapids an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Cedar Rapids 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. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids, IA

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

Geologist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$79,496
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$76,986
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$71,965
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$70,291
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Geologist in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open geologist positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Geologist make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa 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 Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,638, a geologist in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for geologist pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median geologist salary of $73,638 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $74,475. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $73,638 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most geologist positions in Cedar Rapids 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.