Science & Research North Carolina (NC) Rank #29 of 50

Geologist Salary in North Carolina

The median geologist salary in North Carolina is $76,986 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$76,986
vs National
$-6,694
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Geologist Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level geologist earns around $49,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,800 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina 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 North Carolina

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

Geologist Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for geologists in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Charlotte, NC
$82,006
Pop. 874,579 · COL 98%
Raleigh, NC
$82,006
Pop. 467,665 · COL 98%
Durham, NC
$79,496
Pop. 283,506 · COL 95%
Greensboro, NC
$73,638
Pop. 299,035 · COL 88%
Winston-Salem, NC
$71,965
Pop. 249,545 · COL 86%

How to Become a Geologist in North Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in North Carolina

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

Find Geologist Jobs in North Carolina

Browse open geologist positions in North Carolina:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Geologist make in North Carolina? ▼
The median geologist salary in North Carolina 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 North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,986, a geologist in North Carolina earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for geologists? ▼
North Carolina ranks #29 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $49,680, while senior professionals earn $128,800.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. North Carolina's median of $76,986 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($77,822) and New Mexico ($77,822).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level geologist in North Carolina earns approximately $49,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $78,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $128,800.
What city in North Carolina pays geologists the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for geologists, with a median salary of $82,006. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.