Science & Research Oregon (OR) Rank #10 of 50

Geologist Salary in Oregon

The median geologist salary in Oregon is $92,048 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$92,048
vs National
+$8,368
State Rank
#10 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Geologist Salary Overview in Oregon (2026)

Oregon ranks #10 out of 50 states for geologist compensation. This places Oregon in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for geologists seeking high pay. At $92,048 per year, geologists in Oregon earn $8,368 more than the national median of $83,680.

It's worth noting that Oregon's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $92,048 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $83,680.

The salary spread in Oregon is significant: geologists at the 10th percentile earn $56,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $162,800 — a $106,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oregon for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $98,742.

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 Oregon by Experience

In Oregon, an entry-level geologist earns around $59,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,000 per year. The cost of living index in Oregon is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,400
+$5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,500
+$8,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,000
+$14,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Oregon

Percentile OR Salary
10th Percentile $56,100
25th Percentile $69,300
Median (50th) $92,048
75th Percentile $123,200
90th Percentile $162,800

Geologist Salary by City in Oregon

The largest employment areas for geologists in Oregon include Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Gresham. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Geologist in Oregon

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in Oregon

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Oregon

How much does a Geologist make in Oregon? ▼
The median geologist salary in Oregon is $92,048 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $56,100 (10th percentile) to $162,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Oregon? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,048, a geologist in Oregon earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oregon a good state for geologists? ▼
Oregon ranks #10 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $59,400, while senior professionals earn $154,000.
How does Oregon compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. Oregon's median of $92,048 ranks #10 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Connecticut ($93,722) and Maryland ($92,048).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in Oregon? ▼
An entry-level geologist in Oregon earns approximately $59,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $93,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $154,000.
What city in Oregon pays geologists the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Oregon for geologists, with a median salary of $98,742. Other cities include Salem and Eugene.