Science & Research Vancouver, WA Pop. 190,915

Geologist Salary in Vancouver, Washington

The median geologist salary in Vancouver, WA is $85,354 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 11.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$85,354
vs State Avg
$-10,878
vs National
+$1,674
Cost of Living
102%

Geologist Pay in Vancouver: What to Expect (2026)

Vancouver offers a median geologist salary of $85,354, which is $10,878 below the Washington state average of $96,232. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Vancouver pays above average for this role.

Vancouver's cost of living is 102% 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 Vancouver spans from $52,020 at the 10th percentile to $150,960 at the 90th percentile — a $98,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,080, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,800. With a population of 190,915, Vancouver is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Vancouver by Experience

In Vancouver, an entry-level geologist earns around $55,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,080
+$1,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,700
+$1,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,800
+$2,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Vancouver, WA

Percentile Vancouver
10th Percentile $52,020
25th Percentile $64,260
Median (50th) $85,354
75th Percentile $114,240
90th Percentile $150,960

Geologist Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Geologist in Vancouver

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Vancouver

Browse open geologist positions in Vancouver, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Vancouver

How much does a Geologist make in Vancouver, WA? ▼
The median geologist salary in Vancouver, Washington is $85,354 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $52,020 (10th percentile) to $150,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Vancouver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,354, a geologist in Vancouver earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Vancouver compare to the Washington state average for geologist pay? ▼
Vancouver's median geologist salary of $85,354 is 11.3% below the Washington state average of $96,232. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver, WA? ▼
Vancouver has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $85,354 in Vancouver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Vancouver? ▼
Most geologist positions in Vancouver 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.