Science & Research Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

Geologist Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median geologist salary in Cleveland, OH is $71,965 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$71,965
vs State Avg
$-3,347
vs National
$-11,715
Cost of Living
86%

Geologist Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)

Cleveland offers a median geologist salary of $71,965, which is $3,347 below the Ohio state average of $75,312. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland'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 Cleveland an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Cleveland 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 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, OH

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

Geologist Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$79,496
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$75,312
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$70,291
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$68,618
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Geologist in Cleveland

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open geologist positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Geologist make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median geologist salary in Cleveland, Ohio 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 Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,965, a geologist in Cleveland earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for geologist pay? ▼
Cleveland's median geologist salary of $71,965 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $75,312. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $71,965 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Cleveland? ▼
Most geologist positions in Cleveland 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.