Science & Research Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Geologist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median geologist salary in Boston, MA is $127,194 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$127,194
vs State Avg
+$14,226
vs National
+$43,514
Cost of Living
152%

Geologist Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median geologist salary of $127,194, which is $14,226 above the Massachusetts state average of $112,968. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $127,194 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for geologists in Boston spans from $77,520 at the 10th percentile to $224,960 at the 90th percentile — a $147,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $82,080, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $212,800. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Geologist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level geologist earns around $82,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $212,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,080
+$28,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,200
+$44,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$212,800
+$72,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $77,520
25th Percentile $95,760
Median (50th) $127,194
75th Percentile $170,240
90th Percentile $224,960

Geologist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$133,888
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$92,048
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$87,864
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$82,006
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Geologist in Boston

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Boston

Browse open geologist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Boston

How much does a Geologist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $127,194 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $77,520 (10th percentile) to $224,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,194, a geologist in Boston earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for geologist pay? ▼
Boston's median geologist salary of $127,194 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $112,968. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $127,194 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Boston? ▼
Most geologist positions in Boston 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.