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How much does a Geologist make?

The average salary for a Geologist is $86,279 per year in the US.

Geologists study Earth’s physical structure and substance. They explore resources like oil and natural gas. This field offers various salary levels based on experience and location. Generally, entry-level geologists earn around $40,000 a year. As experience grows, salaries can rise to $160,000 or more.

Many factors can affect a geologist’s earnings. Location plays a big role. Some areas pay more due to higher demand or cost of living. Also, having advanced degrees or special skills can lead to higher pay. For example, geologists with a Ph.D. or those who specialize in geophysics tend to earn more. Experience also matters; seasoned geologists usually make more than those just starting out.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Geologist?

San Jose, CA, leads the pack with the highest average salary for geologists at $113,069. Denver, CO, and San Diego, CA, follow closely, offering average salaries of $111,006 and $110,179, respectively. These cities present great opportunities for job seekers looking to maximize their earnings in the field of geology.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $113,069 and Seattle, WA with the lowest at $84,807.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $113,069
    In San Jose, career opportunities abound in tech and mining. Companies like Tesla and various startups create a dynamic work environment. The city's tech-driven economy provides numerous paths for growth.
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  2. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $111,006
    Denver offers exciting roles in energy and mining. Companies such as Encana and Noble Energy are active in the region. Professionals can explore both urban and natural settings in this vibrant city.
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  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $110,179
    San Diego offers a mix of coastal beauty and industry. With companies like Qualcomm and various defense contractors, geologists can work in tech or defense. The mild climate adds to the appeal.
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  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $109,879
    Sacramento provides a balanced mix of government and private sector jobs. State agencies and companies like Chevron create diverse opportunities. The city's central location offers easy access to natural sites.
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  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $108,799
    Los Angeles is a hub for oil and gas companies. Firms like Chevron and ExxonMobil offer many positions. The city’s diverse economy provides various paths for geologists to explore.
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  6. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $97,589
    Houston stands as a key player in the oil and gas sector. Major companies like Schlumberger and Baker Hughes create a wealth of opportunities. The city’s energy-focused industry provides a stable career path.
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  7. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $88,014
    Anchorage offers exciting roles in mining and natural resources. Companies like BP and ConocoPhillips are active in the area. The city’s unique environment provides diverse opportunities for geologists.
    Find Geologist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  8. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $86,595
    Portland offers a blend of environmental focus and tech innovation. Companies like Nike and various environmental firms provide diverse opportunities. The city’s eco-friendly approach makes it an attractive place to work.
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  9. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $85,958
    Honolulu offers a mix of coastal and volcanic geology. Companies like Hawaiian Electric and various government agencies provide opportunities. The island’s unique environment offers a distinctive work experience.
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  10. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $84,807
    Seattle is known for tech and environmental sectors. Companies like Amazon and environmental firms create a dynamic work environment. The city’s focus on sustainability offers numerous opportunities for growth.
    Find Geologist jobs in Seattle, WA

What are the best companies a Geologist can work for?

Ninyo & Moore offers the highest pay among geology jobs. Their average salary of $117,444 leads the industry. Stantec and Terracon Consultants Inc also offer competitive salaries, making them great choices for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting Ninyo & Moore with the highest at $117,444 and Antea Group with the lowest at $60,429.
  1. Ninyo & Moore
    Average Salary: $117,444
    Ninyo & Moore offers geologist jobs with a strong focus on environmental consulting. They operate in several states, including California, Nevada, and Arizona. This company values skilled geologists who work on projects related to water resources, mining, and land use.


  2. Stantec
    Average Salary: $97,809
    Stantec provides a range of geologist positions with an emphasis on infrastructure and environmental consulting. They have offices across the United States, including Colorado, Texas, and Pennsylvania. At Stantec, geologists work on projects related to energy, mining, and environmental protection.


  3. Terracon Consultants Inc
    Average Salary: $96,704
    Terracon Consultants Inc is known for its geologist jobs that focus on geotechnical and environmental engineering. They operate nationwide, with key locations in Illinois, Florida, and California. At Terracon, geologists are involved in site investigations and remediation projects.


  4. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $95,561
    GEI Consultants offers geologist positions that center around environmental and engineering services. They have a presence in several states, including New York, New Jersey, and Florida. This company hires geologists for roles in environmental assessment and remediation.


  5. CAPE Environmental Management, Inc
    Average Salary: $93,567
    CAPE Environmental Management, Inc provides geologist jobs with a focus on environmental consulting and remediation. They operate in states such as California, Texas, and Ohio. At CAPE, geologists work on projects related to hazardous waste and environmental assessment.


  6. TRC
    Average Salary: $84,874
    TRC offers geologist positions with a strong emphasis on environmental and engineering consulting. They have offices in multiple states, including California, Florida, and Virginia. At TRC, geologists are involved in projects related to water resources and environmental assessment.


  7. AECOM
    Average Salary: $75,385
    AECOM provides geologist jobs with a focus on environmental consulting and infrastructure development. They operate in several states, including California, Texas, and Florida. At AECOM, geologists work on projects related to energy, mining, and environmental protection.


  8. HALEY & ALDRICH
    Average Salary: $68,526
    HALEY & ALDRICH offers geologist positions that focus on geotechnical engineering and environmental consulting. They have offices in several states, including Florida, California, and New York. At HALEY & ALDRICH, geologists are involved in projects related to land use and environmental assessment.


  9. Antea Group
    Average Salary: $60,429
    Antea Group provides geologist jobs with a focus on environmental consulting and engineering services. They operate in states such as Michigan, California, and Florida. At Antea Group, geologists work on projects related to environmental assessment and remediation.

How to earn more as a Geologist?

Geologists often enjoy a rewarding career exploring the earth and its many resources. To earn more as a geologist, consider these key factors. One important factor is gaining specialized skills. These could include expertise in geophysics, hydrogeology, or environmental geology. Special skills make a geologist more valuable to potential employers.

Another way to increase earnings is to pursue advanced degrees. A master's or Ph.D. can open doors to higher-paying positions. Advanced degrees often lead to roles in research or academia, which can be lucrative. Location also plays a significant role. Urban areas and regions rich in natural resources often offer higher salaries. Geologists working in the oil and gas industry, for example, typically earn more than those in other sectors. Experience is another key factor. More experienced geologists tend to command higher salaries. Finally, networking and professional development can lead to better job opportunities and salary increases. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can help geologists stay informed and connected.

To increase earning potential, geologists can follow these steps:

  1. Gain specialized skills
  2. Pursue advanced degrees
  3. Choose a location with higher salaries
  4. Gain more experience
  5. Network and develop professionally

Currently 134 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
134 Job Openings