Science & Research Madison, WI Pop. 269,840

Geologist Salary in Madison, Wisconsin

The median geologist salary in Madison, WI is $83,680 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$83,680
vs State Avg
+$6,694
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Geologist Pay in Madison: What to Expect (2026)

Madison offers a median geologist salary of $83,680, which is $6,694 above the Wisconsin state average of $76,986. Compared to the national median of $83,680, Madison pays above average for this role.

Madison's cost of living is 100% 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 Madison spans from $51,000 at the 10th percentile to $148,000 at the 90th percentile — a $97,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,000, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,000. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Madison by Experience

In Madison, an entry-level geologist earns around $54,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI

Percentile Madison
10th Percentile $51,000
25th Percentile $63,000
Median (50th) $83,680
75th Percentile $112,000
90th Percentile $148,000

Geologist Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Geologist in Madison

Education

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

Find Geologist Jobs in Madison

Browse open geologist positions in Madison, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Madison

How much does a Geologist make in Madison, WI? ▼
The median geologist salary in Madison, Wisconsin is $83,680 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $51,000 (10th percentile) to $148,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Madison? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,680, a geologist in Madison earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Madison compare to the Wisconsin state average for geologist pay? ▼
Madison's median geologist salary of $83,680 is 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average of $76,986. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI? ▼
Madison has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a geologist salary of $83,680 in Madison has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Madison? ▼
Most geologist positions in Madison 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.