Science & Research Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Geologist Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median geologist salary in Arlington, VA is $110,458 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$110,458
vs State Avg
+$23,431
vs National
+$26,778
Cost of Living
132%

Geologist Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median geologist salary of $110,458, which is $23,431 above the Virginia state average of $87,027. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $110,458 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for geologists in Arlington spans from $67,320 at the 10th percentile to $195,360 at the 90th percentile — a $128,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,280, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,800. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level geologist earns around $71,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,280
+$17,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,200
+$27,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,800
+$44,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $67,320
25th Percentile $83,160
Median (50th) $110,458
75th Percentile $147,840
90th Percentile $195,360

Geologist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$85,354
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$83,680
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$82,006
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$80,333
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Geologist in Arlington

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Arlington

Browse open geologist positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Arlington

How much does a Geologist make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Arlington, Virginia is $110,458 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $67,320 (10th percentile) to $195,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,458, a geologist in Arlington earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for geologist pay? ▼
Arlington's median geologist salary of $110,458 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $87,027. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $110,458 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Arlington? ▼
Most geologist positions in Arlington 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.