Science & Research Greenville, SC Pop. 72,095

Geologist Salary in Greenville, South Carolina

The median geologist salary in Greenville, SC is $76,986 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$76,986
vs State Avg
+$2,511
vs National
$-6,694
Cost of Living
92%

Geologist Pay in Greenville: What to Expect (2026)

Greenville offers a median geologist salary of $76,986, which is $2,511 above the South Carolina state average of $74,475. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Greenville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Greenville's cost of living is 92% 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 Greenville spans from $46,920 at the 10th percentile to $136,160 at the 90th percentile — a $89,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,680, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,800. Greenville is a smaller market (pop. 72,095), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Greenville by Experience

In Greenville, an entry-level geologist earns around $49,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,680
$-4,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,800
$-11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Greenville, SC

Percentile Greenville
10th Percentile $46,920
25th Percentile $57,960
Median (50th) $76,986
75th Percentile $103,040
90th Percentile $136,160

Geologist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$87,864
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$83,680
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$79,496
Pop. 115,382
Columbia, SC
$75,312
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Geologist in Greenville

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Greenville

Browse open geologist positions in Greenville, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Greenville

How much does a Geologist make in Greenville, SC? ▼
The median geologist salary in Greenville, South Carolina is $76,986 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $46,920 (10th percentile) to $136,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Greenville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,986, a geologist in Greenville earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Greenville compare to the South Carolina state average for geologist pay? ▼
Greenville's median geologist salary of $76,986 is 3.4% above the South Carolina state average of $74,475. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Greenville, SC? ▼
Greenville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $76,986 in Greenville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Greenville? ▼
Most geologist positions in Greenville 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.