Science & Research Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Geologist Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median geologist salary in Seattle, WA is $123,846 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$123,846
vs State Avg
+$27,614
vs National
+$40,166
Cost of Living
148%

Geologist Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level geologist earns around $79,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $207,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,920
+$25,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$125,800
+$40,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$207,200
+$67,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $75,480
25th Percentile $93,240
Median (50th) $123,846
75th Percentile $165,760
90th Percentile $219,040

Geologist Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Geologist in Seattle

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Seattle 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 Seattle may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Seattle

Browse open geologist positions in Seattle, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Seattle

How much does a Geologist make in Seattle, WA?
The median geologist salary in Seattle, Washington is $123,846 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $75,480 (10th percentile) to $219,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Seattle?
Based on the median annual salary of $123,846, a geologist in Seattle earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for geologist pay?
Seattle's median geologist salary of $123,846 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $96,232. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA?
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $123,846 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Seattle?
Most geologist positions in Seattle 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.