Science & Research Bozeman, MT Pop. 53,293

Geologist Salary in Bozeman, Montana

The median geologist salary in Bozeman, MT is $96,232 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median and 21.1% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$96,232
vs State Avg
+$16,736
vs National
+$12,552
Cost of Living
115%

Geologist Pay in Bozeman: What to Expect (2026)

Bozeman offers a median geologist salary of $96,232, which is $16,736 above the Montana state average of $79,496. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Bozeman pays above average for this role.

However, Bozeman's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $96,232 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bozeman should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for geologists in Bozeman spans from $58,650 at the 10th percentile to $170,200 at the 90th percentile — a $111,550 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,100, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $161,000. Bozeman is a smaller market (pop. 53,293), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Bozeman by Experience

In Bozeman, an entry-level geologist earns around $62,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,100
+$8,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,750
+$12,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,000
+$21,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bozeman, MT

Percentile Bozeman
10th Percentile $58,650
25th Percentile $72,450
Median (50th) $96,232
75th Percentile $128,800
90th Percentile $170,200

Geologist Salary in Other Montana Cities

Missoula, MT
$85,354
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$80,333
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$78,659
Pop. 32,315
Great Falls, MT
$73,638
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Geologist in Bozeman

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Bozeman

Browse open geologist positions in Bozeman, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Bozeman

How much does a Geologist make in Bozeman, MT? ▼
The median geologist salary in Bozeman, Montana is $96,232 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $58,650 (10th percentile) to $170,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Bozeman? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,232, a geologist in Bozeman earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bozeman compare to the Montana state average for geologist pay? ▼
Bozeman's median geologist salary of $96,232 is 21.1% above the Montana state average of $79,496. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bozeman, MT? ▼
Bozeman has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $96,232 in Bozeman has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Bozeman? ▼
Most geologist positions in Bozeman 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.