Science & Research South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Geologist Salary in South Carolina

The median geologist salary in South Carolina is $74,475 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$74,475
vs National
$-9,205
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Geologist Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level geologist earns around $48,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,600 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,060
$-5,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,650
$-9,350 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,600
$-15,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $45,390
25th Percentile $56,070
Median (50th) $74,475
75th Percentile $99,680
90th Percentile $131,720

Geologist Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for geologists in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Charleston, SC
$83,680
Pop. 150,227 · COL 100%
Columbia, SC
$75,312
Pop. 131,674 · COL 90%
Greenville, SC
$76,986
Pop. 72,095 · COL 92%
North Charleston, SC
$79,496
Pop. 115,382 · COL 95%
Mount Pleasant, SC
$87,864
Pop. 94,171 · COL 105%

How to Become a Geologist in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

Find Geologist Jobs in South Carolina

Browse open geologist positions in South Carolina:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Geologist make in South Carolina? ▼
The median geologist salary in South Carolina is $74,475 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $45,390 (10th percentile) to $131,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,475, a geologist in South Carolina earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for geologists? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $48,060, while senior professionals earn $124,600.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. South Carolina's median of $74,475 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($75,312) and Iowa ($74,475).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level geologist in South Carolina earns approximately $48,060 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $75,650. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $124,600.
What city in South Carolina pays geologists the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for geologists, with a median salary of $87,864. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.