Science & Research Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Geologist Salary in Washington

The median geologist salary in Washington is $96,232 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$96,232
vs National
+$12,552
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Geologist Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level geologist earns around $62,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,000 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,100
+$8,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,750
+$12,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,000
+$21,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $58,650
25th Percentile $72,450
Median (50th) $96,232
75th Percentile $128,800
90th Percentile $170,200

Geologist Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for geologists in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Seattle, WA
$123,846
Pop. 737,015 · COL 148%
Spokane, WA
$76,986
Pop. 228,989 · COL 92%
Tacoma, WA
$92,048
Pop. 219,346 · COL 110%
Bellevue, WA
$127,194
Pop. 151,854 · COL 152%
Vancouver, WA
$85,354
Pop. 190,915 · COL 102%

How to Become a Geologist in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in Washington

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Washington

Browse open geologist positions in Washington:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Washington

How much does a Geologist make in Washington? ▼
The median geologist salary in Washington is $96,232 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $58,650 (10th percentile) to $170,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,232, a geologist in Washington earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for geologists? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $62,100, while senior professionals earn $161,000.
How does Washington compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. Washington's median of $96,232 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($102,090) and New Jersey ($96,232).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level geologist in Washington earns approximately $62,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $97,750. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $161,000.
What city in Washington pays geologists the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for geologists, with a median salary of $127,194. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.