Science & Research New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Geologist Salary in New Jersey

The median geologist salary in New Jersey is $96,232 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$96,232
vs National
+$12,552
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Geologist Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for geologist compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for geologists seeking high pay. At $96,232 per year, geologists in New Jersey earn $12,552 more than the national median of $83,680.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $96,232 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $83,680.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: geologists at the 10th percentile earn $58,650, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $170,200 — a $111,550 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $107,110.

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for geologists across the country.

Geologist Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level geologist earns around $62,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,000 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey 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

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

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

Geologist Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for geologists in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Geologist in New Jersey

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in New Jersey

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Geologist make in New Jersey? ▼
The median geologist salary in New Jersey 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 New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,232, a geologist in New Jersey earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for geologists? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $62,100, while senior professionals earn $161,000.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. New Jersey's median of $96,232 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($103,763) and New York ($102,090).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level geologist in New Jersey earns approximately $62,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $97,750. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $161,000.
What city in New Jersey pays geologists the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for geologists, with a median salary of $107,110. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.