Science & Research Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Geologist Salary in Mississippi

The median geologist salary in Mississippi is $69,454 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$69,454
vs National
$-14,226
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Geologist Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for geologist compensation. Geologist salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $69,454 per year, geologists in Mississippi earn $14,226 less than the national median of $83,680.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $69,454 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $83,680 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: geologists at the 10th percentile earn $42,330, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $122,840 — a $80,510 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $71,128.

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for geologists across the country.

Geologist Salary in Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level geologist earns around $44,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,200 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,820
$-9,180 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,550
$-14,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,200
$-23,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $42,330
25th Percentile $52,290
Median (50th) $69,454
75th Percentile $92,960
90th Percentile $122,840

Geologist Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for geologists in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Geologist in Mississippi

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in Mississippi

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Geologist make in Mississippi? ▼
The median geologist salary in Mississippi is $69,454 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $42,330 (10th percentile) to $122,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,454, a geologist in Mississippi earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for geologists? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $44,820, while senior professionals earn $116,200.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. Mississippi's median of $69,454 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($70,291) and West Virginia ($70,291).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level geologist in Mississippi earns approximately $44,820 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $70,550. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $116,200.
What city in Mississippi pays geologists the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for geologists, with a median salary of $71,128. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.