Science & Research Ohio (OH) Rank #38 of 50

Geologist Salary in Ohio

The median geologist salary in Ohio is $75,312 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$75,312
vs National
$-8,368
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Geologist Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for geologist compensation. Geologist salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $75,312 per year, geologists in Ohio earn $8,368 less than the national median of $83,680.

A key advantage of working in Ohio is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $75,312 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $83,680 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Ohio is significant: geologists at the 10th percentile earn $45,900, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $133,200 — a $87,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $79,496.

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for geologists across the country.

Geologist Salary in Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level geologist earns around $48,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,000 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,000
$-14,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Ohio

Percentile OH Salary
10th Percentile $45,900
25th Percentile $56,700
Median (50th) $75,312
75th Percentile $100,800
90th Percentile $133,200

Geologist Salary by City in Ohio

The largest employment areas for geologists in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Geologist in Ohio

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in Ohio

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Ohio

How much does a Geologist make in Ohio? ▼
The median geologist salary in Ohio is $75,312 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $45,900 (10th percentile) to $133,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,312, a geologist in Ohio earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for geologists? ▼
Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $48,600, while senior professionals earn $126,000.
How does Ohio compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. Ohio's median of $75,312 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($75,312) and North Dakota ($75,312).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level geologist in Ohio earns approximately $48,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $76,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $126,000.
What city in Ohio pays geologists the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for geologists, with a median salary of $79,496. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.