Science & Research Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Geologist Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median geologist salary in Great Falls, MT is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 7.4% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$73,638
vs State Avg
$-5,858
vs National
$-10,042
Cost of Living
88%

Geologist Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median geologist salary of $73,638, which is $5,858 below the Montana state average of $79,496. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $73,638 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Great Falls spans from $44,880 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $85,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,520, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level geologist earns around $47,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
10th Percentile $44,880
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $73,638
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Geologist Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$96,232
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$85,354
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$80,333
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$78,659
Pop. 32,315

How to Become a Geologist in Great Falls

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open geologist positions in Great Falls, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Geologist make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median geologist salary in Great Falls, Montana is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $44,880 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,638, a geologist in Great Falls earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for geologist pay? ▼
Great Falls's median geologist salary of $73,638 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $79,496. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼
Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $73,638 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Great Falls? ▼
Most geologist positions in Great Falls 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.