Science & Research Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Geologist Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median geologist salary in Erie, PA is $70,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$70,291
vs State Avg
$-10,042
vs National
$-13,389
Cost of Living
84%

Geologist Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median geologist salary of $70,291, which is $10,042 below the Pennsylvania state average of $80,333. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $70,291 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Erie spans from $42,840 at the 10th percentile to $124,320 at the 90th percentile — a $81,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,360, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level geologist earns around $45,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,360
$-8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
$-22,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $42,840
25th Percentile $52,920
Median (50th) $70,291
75th Percentile $94,080
90th Percentile $124,320

Geologist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$85,354
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$78,659
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$77,822
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$73,638
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Geologist in Erie

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Erie

Browse open geologist positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Erie

How much does a Geologist make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $70,291 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $42,840 (10th percentile) to $124,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,291, a geologist in Erie earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for geologist pay? ▼
Erie's median geologist salary of $70,291 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $80,333. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $70,291 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Erie? ▼
Most geologist positions in Erie 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.