Science & Research Owensboro, KY Pop. 60,183

Geologist Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky

The median geologist salary in Owensboro, KY is $68,618 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$68,618
vs State Avg
$-4,184
vs National
$-15,062
Cost of Living
82%

Geologist Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median geologist salary of $68,618, which is $4,184 below the Kentucky state average of $72,802. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $68,618 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Owensboro spans from $41,820 at the 10th percentile to $121,360 at the 90th percentile — a $79,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,280, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,800. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level geologist earns around $44,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,280
$-9,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,700
$-15,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,800
$-25,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Owensboro, KY

Percentile Owensboro
10th Percentile $41,820
25th Percentile $51,660
Median (50th) $68,618
75th Percentile $91,840
90th Percentile $121,360

Geologist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$77,822
Pop. 322,570
Louisville, KY
$76,986
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$73,638
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$70,291
Pop. 74,735

How to Become a Geologist in Owensboro

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Owensboro

Browse open geologist positions in Owensboro, KY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Geologist make in Owensboro, KY? ▼
The median geologist salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $68,618 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $41,820 (10th percentile) to $121,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Owensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,618, a geologist in Owensboro earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for geologist pay? ▼
Owensboro's median geologist salary of $68,618 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $72,802. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼
Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $68,618 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Owensboro? ▼
Most geologist positions in Owensboro 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.