Science & Research Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Geologist Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median geologist salary in Bellevue, WA is $127,194 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$127,194
vs State Avg
+$30,962
vs National
+$43,514
Cost of Living
152%

Geologist Pay in Bellevue: What to Expect (2026)

Bellevue offers a median geologist salary of $127,194, which is $30,962 above the Washington state average of $96,232. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $127,194 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for geologists in Bellevue spans from $77,520 at the 10th percentile to $224,960 at the 90th percentile — a $147,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $82,080, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $212,800. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level geologist earns around $82,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $212,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,080
+$28,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,200
+$44,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$212,800
+$72,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $77,520
25th Percentile $95,760
Median (50th) $127,194
75th Percentile $170,240
90th Percentile $224,960

Geologist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$123,846
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$92,048
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$85,354
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$76,986
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Geologist in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open geologist positions in Bellevue, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Geologist make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Bellevue, Washington is $127,194 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $77,520 (10th percentile) to $224,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,194, a geologist in Bellevue earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for geologist pay? ▼
Bellevue's median geologist salary of $127,194 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $96,232. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $127,194 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Bellevue? ▼
Most geologist positions in Bellevue 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.