Position
Salary

How much does a Geologist make?

The average salary for a Geologist is $86,518 per year in the US.

Geologists study the Earth, looking at its rocks, minerals, and processes. They work in many different environments and can earn varying salaries. A geologist’s pay depends on their experience, education, and location. The average yearly salary for a geologist is around $86,518. This is a good starting point for those considering this career.

The salary range for geologists varies widely. Some earn as little as $40,000 a year, while others make over $150,000. Here are some key points:

  • 10% of geologists earn $40,000 to $51,478.
  • 20% of geologists earn $51,478 to $62,956.
  • 20% of geologists earn $62,956 to $74,435.
  • 19% of geologists earn $74,435 to $85,913.
  • 11% of geologists earn $85,913 to $97,391.
  • 6% of geologists earn $97,391 to $108,869.
  • 10% of geologists earn $108,869 to $120,347.
  • 8% of geologists earn $120,347 to $131,825.
  • 2% of geologists earn $131,825 to $143,304.
  • 2% of geologists earn $143,304 to $154,782.
  • 1% of geologists earn over $154,782.

View Geologist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Geologist?

Looking for a top-paying job as a geologist? San Jose, CA, offers the highest average salary at $112,005. Denver, CO, follows closely behind with an average salary of $111,006. These cities have strong industries that rely on geology, making them great places for job seekers in this field. If high earnings are a priority, consider cities like San Diego, CA, and Sacramento, CA, which also provide competitive salaries. Other notable locations include Los Angeles, CA, and Portland, OR, offering substantial pay for geologists. These cities reflect the demand for skilled professionals in geology.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $112,005 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $76,318.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $112,005
    San Jose offers exciting career opportunities in tech and tech-related industries. Companies like Apple and Google rely on geological insights. Explore a vibrant city with a strong job market.
    Find Geologist jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $111,006
    In Denver, professionals study the Rocky Mountains' geology. Firms such as Encana focus on natural resources. Enjoy a healthy mix of outdoor activities and urban life.
    Find Geologist jobs in Denver, CO


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $110,270
    San Diego provides a mix of coastal and desert landscapes. Work with companies like BP and explore both marine and geological sciences. Great weather makes for an enjoyable work environment.
    Find Geologist jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $109,573
    Sacramento offers a balanced work environment with both urban and rural settings. Government agencies and private firms need geological expertise. Enjoy the riverfront and city parks.
    Find Geologist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $108,565
    Los Angeles offers diverse geological challenges. Companies such as Chevron need skilled professionals. Enjoy the city's culture and entertainment while advancing your career.
    Find Geologist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $86,595
    Portland is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Companies like Portland General Electric need geological insights. Enjoy the city’s green spaces and vibrant community.
    Find Geologist jobs in Portland, OR


  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $85,796
    Seattle offers excellent career opportunities for those who enjoy the outdoors. Firms like AECOM focus on construction and environmental projects. Experience the city’s unique culture and natural beauty.
    Find Geologist jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $82,965
    Anchorage provides unique geological challenges. Work with companies like Hilcorp. Enjoy the stunning Alaskan wilderness and a strong sense of community.
    Find Geologist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  9. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $82,635
    Houston's energy sector creates many job opportunities. Companies such as Chevron need geological expertise. Experience the city’s diverse culture and booming economy.
    Find Geologist jobs in Houston, TX


  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $76,318
    Austin offers a mix of tech and natural resources industries. Companies like Shell focus on oil and gas. Enjoy the city’s vibrant music scene and outdoor activities.
    Find Geologist jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Geologist can work for?

Ninyo & Moore offers the highest average salary for geologists at $112,208 per year. Stantec follows closely with an average salary of $97,717. Both companies provide excellent opportunities for those in the field. Terracon Consultants Inc and GEI Consultants also stand out with competitive salaries at $94,750 and $93,889, respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting Ninyo & Moore with the highest at $112,208 and Antea Group with the lowest at $60,529.
  1. Ninyo & Moore
    Average Salary: $112,208
    Ninyo & Moore is a top-tier company that offers exciting Geologist jobs. This firm specializes in civil engineering and environmental consulting. They operate across various locations in the United States, including California, New York, and Texas.


  2. Stantec
    Average Salary: $97,717
    Stantec provides excellent opportunities for Geologists. They focus on design and consulting services for water, environment, and the built world. Their offices are spread across Canada, the U.S., and several international locations.


  3. Terracon Consultants Inc
    Average Salary: $94,750
    Terracon Consultants Inc is known for its rewarding Geologist positions. They work on geotechnical, environmental, and construction projects. The company has a strong presence in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.


  4. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $93,889
    GEI Consultants offers valuable Geologist jobs. They are experts in environmental and engineering consulting. Their services reach clients across the U.S. and other international markets.


  5. CAPE Environmental Management, Inc
    Average Salary: $91,267
    CAPE Environmental Management, Inc is a great place for Geologists. They focus on environmental consulting and offer positions across the U.S., including California, Florida, and Illinois.


  6. TRC
    Average Salary: $83,092
    TRC provides competitive Geologist salaries. They work on environmental, engineering, and construction projects. The company operates in the U.S., Canada, and several other countries.


  7. HALEY & ALDRICH
    Average Salary: $71,500
    HALEY & ALDRICH offers good Geologist jobs. They specialize in water resource engineering and environmental consulting. Their services are available in the U.S., Canada, and internationally.


  8. Antea Group
    Average Salary: $60,529
    Antea Group provides opportunities for Geologists. They focus on environmental, engineering, and construction consulting. They have offices in the U.S. and other international locations.

How to earn more as a Geologist?

A Geologist can enhance earning potential by focusing on several key areas. Gaining advanced degrees and certifications can lead to higher positions. Experience in the field also plays a crucial role, as more seasoned professionals often command higher salaries. Specializing in high-demand areas such as petroleum, environmental science, or geophysics can open doors to better-paying opportunities. Networking within the industry can connect a Geologist to exclusive job openings and potential salary increases. Lastly, demonstrating strong skills in emerging technologies can make a candidate more attractive to employers.

Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Geologist:

  1. Gain advanced degrees or certifications
  2. Accumulate relevant work experience
  3. Specialize in high-demand areas
  4. Network within the industry
  5. Develop skills in emerging technologies

Currently 74 Geologist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Geologist in the US?

Learn what a Geologist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Geologist today.
Position
Overview
Geologist
74 Job Openings