Science & Research Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Geologist Salary in Montana

The median geologist salary in Montana is $79,496 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$79,496
vs National
$-4,184
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Geologist Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level geologist earns around $51,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,000 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,300
$-2,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,000
$-7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $48,450
25th Percentile $59,850
Median (50th) $79,496
75th Percentile $106,400
90th Percentile $140,600

Geologist Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for geologists in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Billings, MT
$80,333
Pop. 117,116 · COL 96%
Missoula, MT
$85,354
Pop. 75,516 · COL 102%
Great Falls, MT
$73,638
Pop. 60,442 · COL 88%
Bozeman, MT
$96,232
Pop. 53,293 · COL 115%
Helena, MT
$78,659
Pop. 32,315 · COL 94%

How to Become a Geologist in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in Montana

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Montana

Browse open geologist positions in Montana:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Montana

How much does a Geologist make in Montana? ▼
The median geologist salary in Montana is $79,496 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $48,450 (10th percentile) to $140,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,496, a geologist in Montana earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for geologists? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $51,300, while senior professionals earn $133,000.
How does Montana compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. Montana's median of $79,496 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($80,333) and Illinois ($79,496).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level geologist in Montana earns approximately $51,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,750. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $133,000.
What city in Montana pays geologists the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for geologists, with a median salary of $96,232. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.