Science & Research Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Geologist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median geologist salary in Lafayette, LA is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$73,638
vs State Avg
$-2,511
vs National
$-10,042
Cost of Living
88%

Geologist Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median geologist salary of $73,638, which is $2,511 below the Louisiana state average of $76,149. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $73,638 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Lafayette spans from $44,880 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $85,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,520, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level geologist earns around $47,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $44,880
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $73,638
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Geologist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$82,006
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$76,986
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$71,965
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$71,128
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Geologist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open geologist positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Geologist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $44,880 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,638, a geologist in Lafayette earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for geologist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median geologist salary of $73,638 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $76,149. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $73,638 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Lafayette? ▼
Most geologist positions in Lafayette 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.