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Salary

How much does a Geologist make?

The average salary for a Geologist is $86,229 per year in the US.

Geologists study the Earth's physical structure and materials. They explore the ground for resources like minerals, oil, and gas. This work can lead to exciting job opportunities. The average yearly salary for a geologist is $86,229. This means most geologists earn between $40,000 and $166,260 each year.

Geologists can work in many different areas. Some work in offices, while others work outdoors. Their job can be exciting and varied. They might travel to new places and meet new people. The salary can change based on where they work and what they do. For example, those in the top 10% earn over $143,304 a year. This shows that with experience and skill, geologists can earn a good living.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Geologist?

Geologists can find some of the best-paying jobs in California. San Diego, San Jose, and Los Angeles offer top salaries for these professionals. Denver and Seattle also provide competitive wages for geologists. Other cities like Anchorage, Houston, and Austin offer solid pay for geologists. These cities provide opportunities for those seeking a balance between salary and cost of living. Each of these locations has a strong demand for geological expertise.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $110,440 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $76,105.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $110,440
    In San Diego, professionals explore the coastal geology and study the effects of climate change. Companies like Jacobs and AECOM offer exciting opportunities.
    Find Geologist jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $109,488
    San Jose provides a dynamic environment for those studying earth sciences. Tech firms like Google and Apple often seek geological expertise.
    Find Geologist jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $109,410
    Denver offers a mix of urban and natural landscapes. Companies like CH2M and AECOM provide roles in environmental consulting.
    Find Geologist jobs in Denver, CO


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $108,565
    Los Angeles presents a unique setting for geological work, with a focus on urban development. Firms like AECOM and Jacobs are prominent employers.
    Find Geologist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $108,075
    Sacramento offers a blend of government and private sector opportunities. Agencies like the USGS and companies like AECOM are key players.
    Find Geologist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $88,122
    Seattle's geology jobs focus on the region's unique natural features. Companies like CH2M and AECOM offer diverse roles.
    Find Geologist jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $87,422
    Portland provides a vibrant environment for studying the region's geology. Companies like CH2M and AECOM are active in the field.
    Find Geologist jobs in Portland, OR


  8. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $84,249
    Anchorage offers a unique setting for geological work, with a focus on the state's natural resources. Companies like AECOM and CH2M are key employers.
    Find Geologist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  9. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $77,375
    Houston provides a dynamic environment for those studying earth sciences. Companies like Halliburton and Baker Hughes often seek geological expertise.
    Find Geologist jobs in Houston, TX


  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $76,105
    Austin offers a mix of urban and natural landscapes. Tech firms like Apple and Google often seek geological expertise.
    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, making it a top choice for job seekers. Stantec and GEI Consultants also provide competitive salaries, with Stantec offering nearly $99,000 and GEI Consultants around $92,000. These companies value skilled geologists and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting Ninyo & Moore with the highest at $104,771 and Antea Group with the lowest at $60,563.
  1. Ninyo & Moore
    Average Salary: $104,771
    Ninyo & Moore is a leading environmental consulting firm. They offer exciting Geologist jobs across the United States. Their projects focus on environmental assessments and site remediation. They have offices in California, Washington, and New York.


  2. Stantec
    Average Salary: $98,545
    Stantec provides a wide range of consulting services, including geology. They offer Geologist jobs in various locations, such as Canada, the United States, and Europe. Their work includes environmental consulting, water resources, and geotechnical engineering. They have offices in major cities across North America.


  3. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $92,436
    GEI Consultants is a global environmental consulting firm. They offer Geologist jobs with a focus on environmental and engineering services. They work on projects in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Their offices are located in major cities across North America.


  4. CAPE Environmental Management, Inc
    Average Salary: $92,292
    CAPE Environmental Management, Inc. provides a range of environmental consulting services. They offer Geologist jobs in the United States, focusing on environmental assessments and site remediation. They have offices in California, New York, and Texas.


  5. Terracon Consultants Inc
    Average Salary: $88,398
    Terracon Consultants Inc. offers a variety of consulting services, including geology. They provide Geologist jobs in the United States, focusing on environmental and engineering projects. They have offices in major cities across the country.


  6. TRC
    Average Salary: $85,619
    TRC is a global consulting firm that offers Geologist jobs. They focus on environmental and engineering services. They work on projects in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Their offices are located in major cities across North America.


  7. Roux Associates, Inc.
    Average Salary: $83,409
    Roux Associates, Inc. provides a range of consulting services, including geology. They offer Geologist jobs in the United States, focusing on environmental assessments and site remediation. They have offices in California, New York, and Texas.


  8. Antea Group
    Average Salary: $60,563
    Antea Group offers a variety of consulting services, including geology. They provide Geologist jobs in the United States, focusing on environmental and engineering projects. They have offices in major cities across the country.

How to earn more as a Geologist?

A Geologist can explore many paths to increase their earnings. Gaining more experience and specialized skills often leads to higher pay. Working in industries with high demand for geological expertise, such as oil and gas or mining, can also boost income. Seeking out roles in regions with a greater need for geologists may offer better compensation packages. Networking and building a strong professional reputation can open doors to higher-paying positions. Finally, pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can enhance job prospects and salary potential.

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

  1. Experience: More years in the field can lead to higher pay.
  2. Specialization: Expertise in areas like hydrogeology or petroleum geology can command higher salaries.
  3. Industry: Working in sectors like mining or oil and gas often pays more.
  4. Location: Jobs in regions with high demand for geologists may offer better pay.
  5. Education: Advanced degrees or certifications can increase earning potential.

Currently 76 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.
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Geologist
76 Job Openings