Geologist
A Geologist earns a median salary of $94,580 per year in the United States, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future. They work to understand a range of issues related to geologic features and processes.
$94,580
Median Salary
$101,201
Mean Salary
31,800
Total Employment
5%
Job Growth
About as fast as average
Bachelor's degree
Education
2,544
Openings/Year
Figures on this page are modeled estimates built from public BLS and NCES occupational and institutional categories, not official government reporting. Use them as directional guidance, not exact figures.
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $56,748
25th Percentile $73,772
Median $94,580
75th Percentile $121,062
90th Percentile $158,894
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
Texas 3,484
California 3,157
New York 2,091
Florida 1,555
Georgia 1,240
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $183,403 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $146,886 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $142,515 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $139,670 |
| 5 | New York | $131,530 |
| 6 | California | $124,336 |
| 7 | Colorado | $122,732 |
| 8 | Oregon | $119,066 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $115,445 |
| 10 | Alaska | $115,131 |
| 11 | Maine | $114,665 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | $114,598 |
| 13 | Vermont | $113,937 |
| 14 | Nevada | $112,916 |
| 15 | Minnesota | $112,807 |
| 16 | Maryland | $111,297 |
| 17 | New Hampshire | $105,127 |
| 18 | Washington | $104,750 |
| 19 | Delaware | $104,212 |
| 20 | Idaho | $103,515 |
| 21 | Illinois | $103,090 |
| 22 | Georgia | $102,318 |
| 23 | Arizona | $99,669 |
| 24 | Pennsylvania | $98,243 |
| 25 | Missouri | $97,197 |
| 26 | Iowa | $96,725 |
| 27 | Michigan | $96,254 |
| 28 | Virginia | $95,830 |
| 29 | Wisconsin | $93,784 |
| 30 | Indiana | $92,938 |
| 31 | Alabama | $92,330 |
| 32 | Ohio | $91,639 |
| 33 | North Dakota | $90,526 |
| 34 | Montana | $90,463 |
| 35 | Florida | $89,011 |
| 36 | Arkansas | $88,970 |
| 37 | South Carolina | $88,679 |
| 38 | Utah | $88,501 |
| 39 | Nebraska | $88,325 |
| 40 | North Carolina | $86,724 |
| 41 | Louisiana | $85,177 |
| 42 | Wyoming | $84,497 |
| 43 | New Mexico | $83,283 |
| 44 | South Dakota | $82,733 |
| 45 | Texas | $81,688 |
| 46 | Mississippi | $78,469 |
| 47 | Kansas | $78,187 |
| 48 | Tennessee | $77,162 |
| 49 | West Virginia | $75,558 |
| 50 | Kentucky | $74,489 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $70,775 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Geologist?
The median salary for a Geologist is $94,580 per year nationally. Salaries range from $56,748 (10th percentile) to $158,894 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Geologist?
A Geologist typically requires a bachelor's degree.
What is the job outlook for Geologists?
Employment of geologists is projected to grow 5%, described as about as fast as average. About 2,544 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Geologists the most?
Hawaii pays the highest median salary for geologists at $183,403 per year.