Science & Research Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Geologist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median geologist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $85,354 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$85,354
vs State Avg
+$5,021
vs National
+$1,674
Cost of Living
102%

Geologist Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median geologist salary of $85,354, which is $5,021 above the Pennsylvania state average of $80,333. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for geologists in Philadelphia spans from $52,020 at the 10th percentile to $150,960 at the 90th percentile — a $98,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,080, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,800. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Geologist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level geologist earns around $55,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,080
+$1,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,700
+$1,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,800
+$2,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $52,020
25th Percentile $64,260
Median (50th) $85,354
75th Percentile $114,240
90th Percentile $150,960

Geologist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$78,659
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$77,822
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$73,638
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$70,291
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Geologist in Philadelphia

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open geologist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Geologist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $85,354 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $52,020 (10th percentile) to $150,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,354, a geologist in Philadelphia earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for geologist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median geologist salary of $85,354 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $80,333. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $85,354 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most geologist positions in Philadelphia 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.