Science & Research Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Geologist Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median geologist salary in Durham, NC is $79,496 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$79,496
vs State Avg
+$2,510
vs National
$-4,184
Cost of Living
95%

Geologist Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level geologist earns around $51,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,300
$-2,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,000
$-7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $48,450
25th Percentile $59,850
Median (50th) $79,496
75th Percentile $106,400
90th Percentile $140,600

Geologist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$82,006
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$82,006
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$73,638
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$71,965
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Geologist in Durham

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Durham

Browse open geologist positions in Durham, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Durham

How much does a Geologist make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median geologist salary in Durham, North Carolina is $79,496 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $48,450 (10th percentile) to $140,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,496, a geologist in Durham earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for geologist pay? ▼
Durham's median geologist salary of $79,496 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $76,986. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $79,496 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Durham? ▼
Most geologist positions in Durham 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.