Geologist Salary in 2026
Geologists study the composition, structure, and processes of the Earth. They work in resource extraction, environmental protection, and hazard assessment for engineering projects.
Median Salary
$83,000
$6,917/mo
Entry Level
$52,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$114,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Geologist Overview
Geologists study the composition, structure, and processes of the Earth. They work in resource extraction, environmental protection, and hazard assessment for engineering projects.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
30K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$39.90/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,917
Geologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Geologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Geologist Salary
$93,000
$7,750/month · $3,577/biweekly · $44.71/hr
Geologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Geologist field.
Entry-level Geologists earn around $52,000, while the top 10% earn $127,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Geologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $98,000 | +$15,000 |
| Alaska | $90,000 | +$7,000 |
| Colorado | $87,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $81,000 | $-2,000 |
| Louisiana | $76,000 | $-7,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Geologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $93,000 | +$10,000 |
| Anchorage | $90,000 | +$7,000 |
| Denver | $88,000 | +$5,000 |
| Houston | $82,000 | $-1,000 |
| New Orleans | $79,000 | $-4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Geologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Geologist from entry level to expert.
$52,000
0-2 years
$83,000
3-7 years
$114,000
8-14 years
$141,000
15+ years
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Geologist Salary FAQ
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