Science & Research Winston-Salem, NC Pop. 249,545

Geologist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The median geologist salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $71,965 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$71,965
vs State Avg
$-5,021
vs National
$-11,715
Cost of Living
86%

Geologist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median geologist salary of $71,965, which is $5,021 below the North Carolina state average of $76,986. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $71,965 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Winston-Salem spans from $43,860 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $83,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,440, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,400. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level geologist earns around $46,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,400
$-19,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Winston-Salem, NC

Percentile Winston-Salem
10th Percentile $43,860
25th Percentile $54,180
Median (50th) $71,965
75th Percentile $96,320
90th Percentile $127,280

Geologist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$82,006
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$82,006
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$79,496
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$73,638
Pop. 299,035

How to Become a Geologist in Winston-Salem

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Winston-Salem

Browse open geologist positions in Winston-Salem, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Geologist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
The median geologist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $71,965 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $43,860 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,965, a geologist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for geologist pay? ▼
Winston-Salem's median geologist salary of $71,965 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $76,986. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $71,965 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Winston-Salem? ▼
Most geologist positions in Winston-Salem 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.