Geologist Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median geologist salary in Raleigh, NC is $82,006 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Geologist Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh offers a median geologist salary of $82,006, which is $5,020 above the North Carolina state average of $76,986. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $49,980 at the 10th percentile to $145,040 at the 90th percentile — a $95,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,920, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,200. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Geologist Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, an entry-level geologist earns around $52,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $49,980 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,740 |
| Median (50th) | $82,006 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $145,040 |
Geologist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Geologist in Raleigh
Education
Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Geologist Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open geologist positions in Raleigh, NC: