Science & Research New York (NY) Rank #5 of 50

Geologist Salary in New York

The median geologist salary in New York is $102,090 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$102,090
vs National
+$18,410
State Rank
#5 of 50
Cost of Living
122%

Geologist Salary Overview in New York (2026)

New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for geologist compensation. This places New York in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for geologists seeking high pay. At $102,090 per year, geologists in New York earn $18,410 more than the national median of $83,680.

It's worth noting that New York's cost of living is 122% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $102,090 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $83,680.

The salary spread in New York is significant: geologists at the 10th percentile earn $62,220, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $180,560 — a $118,340 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New York for this role is New York City, where the median reaches $156,482.

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 York by Experience

In New York, an entry-level geologist earns around $65,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,800 per year. The cost of living index in New York is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,880
+$11,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,700
+$18,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,800
+$30,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New York

Percentile NY Salary
10th Percentile $62,220
25th Percentile $76,860
Median (50th) $102,090
75th Percentile $136,640
90th Percentile $180,560

Geologist Salary by City in New York

The largest employment areas for geologists in New York include New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Geologist in New York

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in New York

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in New York

How much does a Geologist make in New York? ▼
The median geologist salary in New York is $102,090 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $62,220 (10th percentile) to $180,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in New York? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,090, a geologist in New York earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New York a good state for geologists? ▼
New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 122% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $65,880, while senior professionals earn $170,800.
How does New York compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. New York's median of $102,090 ranks #5 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($112,968) and Alaska ($103,763).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in New York? ▼
An entry-level geologist in New York earns approximately $65,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $103,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $170,800.
What city in New York pays geologists the most? ▼
New York City is the highest paying city in New York for geologists, with a median salary of $156,482. Other cities include Buffalo and Rochester.