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How much does a Geologist make?

The average salary for a Geologist is $83,332 per year in the US.

Geologists study the Earth and its materials. They explore rocks, minerals, and the forces that shape our planet. This profession offers a range of salaries. Most geologists earn between $40,000 and $167,000 per year. The average yearly salary for a geologist is about $83,332.

The salary a geologist earns can depend on their experience and location. Some geologists work in cities or natural resource-rich areas, where they can earn more. Others might work in government or research, with salaries that differ. Geologists in the top 10% of earners make more than $167,000 a year. This highlights the earning potential in this field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Geologist?

Cities like San Jose, Sacramento, and Los Angeles offer top pay for geologists. In these places, salaries often reach over $100,000 a year. Job seekers can find many opportunities in these cities with competitive wages. Denver, San Diego, Seattle, and Anchorage also provide solid salaries for geologists. In these locations, pay averages between $85,000 and $100,000. For those looking to advance in their field, these cities provide promising job markets.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $115,263 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $77,764.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $115,263
    San Jose offers a dynamic work environment for those in the field. Many tech companies require geologists for their infrastructure projects. The Silicon Valley influence opens up unique opportunities.
    Find Geologist jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $111,255
    In Sacramento, geologists work closely with government agencies. They focus on water management and land use planning. It's a great city for those interested in public service.
    Find Geologist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $110,791
    Los Angeles provides diverse opportunities for geological work. Companies in oil and gas often hire geologists. The city's vast urban landscape offers various challenges and learning experiences.
    Find Geologist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $108,926
    Denver is known for its natural beauty and mineral resources. Geologists here often work in mining and energy sectors. The outdoorsy culture also offers lots of fieldwork opportunities.
    Find Geologist jobs in Denver, CO


  5. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $104,703
    San Diego is a hub for marine and coastal geology. Many researchers and environmental organizations look for geologists here. The sunny climate makes fieldwork pleasant year-round.
    Find Geologist jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $90,032
    Seattle's tech scene and environmental focus create a need for geologists. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft often require geological expertise. The city’s green initiatives also provide many opportunities.
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  7. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $89,778
    Anchorage offers exciting work for those interested in extreme environments. Geologists here often work in oil and gas or with natural disaster preparedness. The rugged terrain provides unique fieldwork experiences.
    Find Geologist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  8. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $86,058
    Portland is known for its progressive environment. Many geologists work with sustainable practices and urban development. The city’s focus on green spaces offers many exciting projects.
    Find Geologist jobs in Portland, OR


  9. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $85,500
    Honolulu offers a unique setting for geological work. The island’s volcanic activity and marine environments attract geologists. Many researchers focus on coastal and marine geology here.
    Find Geologist jobs in Honolulu, HI


  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $77,764
    Austin's tech industry and energy sector create many job opportunities for geologists. The city’s growing urban landscape often requires geological insights. It’s a great place for those interested in both urban and natural environments.
    Find Geologist jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Geologist can work for?

Ninyo & Moore pays geologists the highest average salary of $122,715 annually. GEI Consultants, another top employer, offers $96,389. These companies lead the industry, providing excellent compensation for qualified professionals. For job seekers, these companies offer stable, lucrative opportunities in geology.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting Ninyo & Moore with the highest at $122,715 and Ensolum, LLC with the lowest at $68,364.
  1. Ninyo & Moore
    Average Salary: $122,715
    Ninyo & Moore offers rewarding Geologist positions with above-average pay. They focus on environmental and civil engineering projects, operating mainly in the Western United States. Their work often involves consulting and fieldwork.


  2. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $96,389
    GEI Consultants is a well-known firm for Geologists, providing a competitive salary. They are active in multiple states across the U.S. Their projects include water resources, environmental assessments, and land use planning.


  3. CAPE Environmental Management, Inc
    Average Salary: $94,875
    CAPE Environmental Management, Inc offers solid compensation for Geologists. They work on various environmental projects and have offices on the East Coast and in the Midwest.


  4. AECOM
    Average Salary: $84,173
    AECOM is a large firm that provides many opportunities for Geologists. They handle infrastructure, building, and environmental projects. They are active in cities and towns across the country.


  5. Arcadis
    Average Salary: $78,283
    Arcadis offers good pay for Geologists and projects that span across the United States. They work on infrastructure, water, and environmental projects. They have offices in many major cities.


  6. Stantec
    Average Salary: $73,374
    Stantec provides a solid salary for Geologists and projects in engineering and environmental fields. They have offices in many states and are involved in projects nationwide.


  7. HALEY & ALDRICH
    Average Salary: $69,437
    HALEY & ALDRICH provides a fair salary for Geologists. They focus on environmental consulting and have offices in the Eastern United States.


  8. Ensolum, LLC
    Average Salary: $68,364
    Ensolum, LLC offers Geologist positions with a competitive salary. They work on environmental and engineering projects and operate mainly in the Western United States.

How to earn more as a Geologist?

A career in geology offers opportunities to earn more with the right approach. To maximize your earnings, consider the following strategies. First, obtaining advanced degrees and certifications can open higher-paying roles. Specializations such as hydrogeology or petroleum geology often command higher salaries. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends enhance your expertise and marketability. Networking with industry professionals also creates opportunities for better-paying jobs.

Experience and a strong professional reputation play key roles in earning more. Employers often pay a premium for candidates with proven track records. Taking on leadership roles or managing projects can lead to higher compensation. Seeking roles in high-demand areas like mining or environmental consulting can also increase earning potential. Being proactive in negotiating salaries and benefits can further boost income. Balancing these factors can help geologists earn more and advance in their careers.

Currently 115 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
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