Science & Research Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Geologist Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median geologist salary in Sioux City, IA is $70,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$70,291
vs State Avg
$-4,184
vs National
$-13,389
Cost of Living
84%

Geologist Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median geologist salary of $70,291, which is $4,184 below the Iowa state average of $74,475. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $70,291 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Sioux City spans from $42,840 at the 10th percentile to $124,320 at the 90th percentile — a $81,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,360, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level geologist earns around $45,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,360
$-8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
$-22,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $42,840
25th Percentile $52,920
Median (50th) $70,291
75th Percentile $94,080
90th Percentile $124,320

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
Davenport, IA
$71,965
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Geologist in Sioux City

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open geologist positions in Sioux City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Geologist make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $70,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $42,840 (10th percentile) to $124,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,291, a geologist in Sioux City earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for geologist pay? ▼
Sioux City's median geologist salary of $70,291 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $74,475. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $70,291 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Sioux City? ▼
Most geologist positions in Sioux City 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.