Science & Research Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Geologist Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median geologist salary in Portland, OR is $98,742 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$98,742
vs State Avg
+$6,694
vs National
+$15,062
Cost of Living
118%

Geologist Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median geologist salary of $98,742, which is $6,694 above the Oregon state average of $92,048. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $98,742 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for geologists in Portland spans from $60,180 at the 10th percentile to $174,640 at the 90th percentile — a $114,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,720, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $165,200. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Geologist Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level geologist earns around $63,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,720
+$9,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,300
+$15,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,200
+$25,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $60,180
25th Percentile $74,340
Median (50th) $98,742
75th Percentile $132,160
90th Percentile $174,640

Geologist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$93,722
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$90,374
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$87,864
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$85,354
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Geologist in Portland

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Portland

Browse open geologist positions in Portland, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Portland

How much does a Geologist make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median geologist salary in Portland, Oregon is $98,742 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $60,180 (10th percentile) to $174,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,742, a geologist in Portland earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for geologist pay? ▼
Portland's median geologist salary of $98,742 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $92,048. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $98,742 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Portland? ▼
Most geologist positions in Portland 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.