Science & Research Davenport, IA Pop. 101,724

Geologist Salary in Davenport, Iowa

The median geologist salary in Davenport, IA is $71,965 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$71,965
vs State Avg
$-2,510
vs National
$-11,715
Cost of Living
86%

Geologist Pay in Davenport: What to Expect (2026)

Davenport offers a median geologist salary of $71,965, which is $2,510 below the Iowa state average of $74,475. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Davenport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Davenport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $71,965 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Davenport an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Davenport spans from $43,860 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $83,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,440, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,400. With a population of 101,724, Davenport is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Davenport by Experience

In Davenport, an entry-level geologist earns around $46,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,400
$-19,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Davenport, IA

Percentile Davenport
10th Percentile $43,860
25th Percentile $54,180
Median (50th) $71,965
75th Percentile $96,320
90th Percentile $127,280

Geologist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$79,496
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$76,986
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$73,638
Pop. 137,710
Sioux City, IA
$70,291
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Geologist in Davenport

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Davenport

Browse open geologist positions in Davenport, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Davenport

How much does a Geologist make in Davenport, IA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Davenport, Iowa is $71,965 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $43,860 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Davenport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,965, a geologist in Davenport earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Davenport compare to the Iowa state average for geologist pay? ▼
Davenport's median geologist salary of $71,965 is 3.4% below the Iowa state average of $74,475. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Davenport, IA? ▼
Davenport has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $71,965 in Davenport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Davenport? ▼
Most geologist positions in Davenport 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.