Science & Research Topeka, KS Pop. 127,473

Geologist Salary in Topeka, Kansas

The median geologist salary in Topeka, KS is $69,454 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 4.6% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$69,454
vs State Avg
$-3,348
vs National
$-14,226
Cost of Living
83%

Geologist Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median geologist salary of $69,454, which is $3,348 below the Kansas state average of $72,802. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $69,454 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Topeka spans from $42,330 at the 10th percentile to $122,840 at the 90th percentile — a $80,510 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,820, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,200. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level geologist earns around $44,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,820
$-9,180 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,550
$-14,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,200
$-23,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Topeka, KS

Percentile Topeka
10th Percentile $42,330
25th Percentile $52,290
Median (50th) $69,454
75th Percentile $92,960
90th Percentile $122,840

Geologist Salary in Other Kansas Cities

How to Become a Geologist in Topeka

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Topeka

Browse open geologist positions in Topeka, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Topeka

How much does a Geologist make in Topeka, KS? ▼
The median geologist salary in Topeka, Kansas is $69,454 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $42,330 (10th percentile) to $122,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Topeka? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,454, a geologist in Topeka earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for geologist pay? ▼
Topeka's median geologist salary of $69,454 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $72,802. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼
Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $69,454 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Topeka? ▼
Most geologist positions in Topeka 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.