Science & Research Southaven, MS Pop. 55,026

Geologist Salary in Southaven, Mississippi

The median geologist salary in Southaven, MS is $70,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 1.2% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$70,291
vs State Avg
+$837
vs National
$-13,389
Cost of Living
84%

Geologist Pay in Southaven: What to Expect (2026)

Southaven offers a median geologist salary of $70,291, which is $837 above the Mississippi state average of $69,454. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Southaven pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Southaven's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $70,291 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Southaven an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Southaven spans from $42,840 at the 10th percentile to $124,320 at the 90th percentile — a $81,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,360, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. Southaven is a smaller market (pop. 55,026), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Southaven by Experience

In Southaven, an entry-level geologist earns around $45,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,360
$-8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
$-22,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Southaven, MS

Percentile Southaven
10th Percentile $42,840
25th Percentile $52,920
Median (50th) $70,291
75th Percentile $94,080
90th Percentile $124,320

Geologist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$71,128
Pop. 153,701
Biloxi, MS
$69,454
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$68,618
Pop. 72,926
Hattiesburg, MS
$66,944
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Geologist in Southaven

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Southaven 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 Southaven may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Southaven

Browse open geologist positions in Southaven, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Southaven

How much does a Geologist make in Southaven, MS? ▼
The median geologist salary in Southaven, Mississippi is $70,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $42,840 (10th percentile) to $124,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Southaven? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,291, a geologist in Southaven earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Southaven compare to the Mississippi state average for geologist pay? ▼
Southaven's median geologist salary of $70,291 is 1.2% above the Mississippi state average of $69,454. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Southaven, MS? ▼
Southaven has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $70,291 in Southaven has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Southaven? ▼
Most geologist positions in Southaven 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.