Science & Research Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Geologist Salary in Kentucky

The median geologist salary in Kentucky is $72,802 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$72,802
vs National
$-10,878
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Geologist Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level geologist earns around $46,980, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,800 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,980
$-7,020 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,950
$-11,050 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,800
$-18,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $44,370
25th Percentile $54,810
Median (50th) $72,802
75th Percentile $97,440
90th Percentile $128,760

Geologist Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for geologists in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$76,986
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$77,822
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$70,291
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$68,618
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$73,638
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Geologist in Kentucky

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Geologist Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open geologist positions in Kentucky:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Geologist make in Kentucky? ▼
The median geologist salary in Kentucky is $72,802 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $44,370 (10th percentile) to $128,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,802, a geologist in Kentucky earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for geologists? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $46,980, while senior professionals earn $121,800.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. Kentucky's median of $72,802 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($72,802) and Kansas ($72,802).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level geologist in Kentucky earns approximately $46,980 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $73,950. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $121,800.
What city in Kentucky pays geologists the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for geologists, with a median salary of $77,822. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.