Science & Research Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Geologist Salary in Houston, Texas

The median geologist salary in Houston, TX is $80,333 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$80,333
vs State Avg
+$3,347
vs National
$-3,347
Cost of Living
96%

Geologist Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median geologist salary of $80,333, which is $3,347 above the Texas state average of $76,986. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $48,960 at the 10th percentile to $142,080 at the 90th percentile — a $93,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,840, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $134,400. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Geologist Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level geologist earns around $51,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,840
$-2,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,600
$-3,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,400
$-5,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $48,960
25th Percentile $60,480
Median (50th) $80,333
75th Percentile $107,520
90th Percentile $142,080

Geologist Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Geologist in Houston

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Houston

Browse open geologist positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Houston

How much does a Geologist make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median geologist salary in Houston, Texas is $80,333 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $48,960 (10th percentile) to $142,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,333, a geologist in Houston earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for geologist pay? ▼
Houston's median geologist salary of $80,333 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $76,986. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $80,333 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Houston? ▼
Most geologist positions in Houston 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.