Science & Research Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Geologist Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median geologist salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $66,944 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$66,944
vs State Avg
$-2,510
vs National
$-16,736
Cost of Living
80%

Geologist Pay in Hattiesburg: What to Expect (2026)

Hattiesburg offers a median geologist salary of $66,944, which is $2,510 below the Mississippi state average of $69,454. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $66,944 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Hattiesburg spans from $40,800 at the 10th percentile to $118,400 at the 90th percentile — a $77,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,200, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,000. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level geologist earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,200
$-10,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,000
$-17,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,000
$-28,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $40,800
25th Percentile $50,400
Median (50th) $66,944
75th Percentile $89,600
90th Percentile $118,400

Geologist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$71,128
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$70,291
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$69,454
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$68,618
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a Geologist in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open geologist positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Geologist make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median geologist salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $66,944 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $40,800 (10th percentile) to $118,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,944, a geologist in Hattiesburg earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for geologist pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median geologist salary of $66,944 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $69,454. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $66,944 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most geologist positions in Hattiesburg 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.