Science & Research Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Geologist Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median geologist salary in Buffalo, NY is $76,986 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 24.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$76,986
vs State Avg
$-25,104
vs National
$-6,694
Cost of Living
92%

Geologist Pay in Buffalo: What to Expect (2026)

Buffalo offers a median geologist salary of $76,986, which is $25,104 below the New York state average of $102,090. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Buffalo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for geologists in Buffalo spans from $46,920 at the 10th percentile to $136,160 at the 90th percentile — a $89,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,680, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,800. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level geologist earns around $49,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,680
$-4,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,800
$-11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $46,920
25th Percentile $57,960
Median (50th) $76,986
75th Percentile $103,040
90th Percentile $136,160

Geologist Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Geologist in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open geologist positions in Buffalo, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Geologist make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median geologist salary in Buffalo, New York is $76,986 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $46,920 (10th percentile) to $136,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,986, a geologist in Buffalo earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for geologist pay? ▼
Buffalo's median geologist salary of $76,986 is 24.6% below the New York state average of $102,090. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $76,986 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Buffalo? ▼
Most geologist positions in Buffalo 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.