Seismologist Salary in 2026
Study earthquakes and seismic waves to understand and predict tectonic activity.
Median Salary
$82,000
$6,833/mo
Entry Level
$55,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$112,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Seismologist Overview
Study earthquakes and seismic waves to understand and predict tectonic activity.
Education
Master's/Doctorate
Experience
3-6 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
3K
5-Year Growth
+8%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$39.42/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,833
Seismologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Seismologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Seismologist Salary
$93,000
$7,750/month · $3,577/biweekly · $44.71/hr
Seismologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Seismologist field.
Entry-level Seismologists earn around $55,000, while the top 10% earn $125,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Seismologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $97,000 | +$15,000 |
| Washington | $92,000 | +$10,000 |
| Alaska | $89,000 | +$7,000 |
| Nevada | $81,000 | $-1,000 |
| Oklahoma | $75,000 | $-7,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Seismologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $93,000 | +$11,000 |
| Los Angeles | $92,000 | +$10,000 |
| Anchorage | $89,000 | +$7,000 |
| Reno | $82,000 | $0 |
| Oklahoma City | $75,000 | $-7,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Seismologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Seismologist from entry level to expert.
$55,000
0-2 years
$84,000
3-7 years
$112,000
8-14 years
$138,000
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Seismologist Salary FAQ
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.