Science & Research Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Geologist Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median geologist salary in Silver Spring, MD is $102,090 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$102,090
vs State Avg
+$10,042
vs National
+$18,410
Cost of Living
122%

Geologist Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median geologist salary of $102,090, which is $10,042 above the Maryland state average of $92,048. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $102,090 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for geologists in Silver Spring spans from $62,220 at the 10th percentile to $180,560 at the 90th percentile — a $118,340 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,880, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,800. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level geologist earns around $65,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,880
+$11,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,700
+$18,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,800
+$30,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $62,220
25th Percentile $76,860
Median (50th) $102,090
75th Percentile $136,640
90th Percentile $180,560

Geologist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$98,742
Pop. 104,681
Germantown, MD
$96,232
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$90,374
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$87,864
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Geologist in Silver Spring

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open geologist positions in Silver Spring, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Geologist make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median geologist salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $102,090 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $62,220 (10th percentile) to $180,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,090, a geologist in Silver Spring earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for geologist pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median geologist salary of $102,090 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $92,048. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $102,090 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Silver Spring? ▼
Most geologist positions in Silver Spring 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.