Position
Salary

How much does a Geologist make?

The average salary for a Geologist is $83,765 per year in the US.

Geologists explore the Earth's materials and the processes shaping our planet. They find jobs in various sectors like mining, energy, and environmental consulting. The average yearly salary for geologists stands at around $83,765, offering a stable income for their expertise. This salary can vary based on the specific industry and experience level.


Here are some salary details for geologists:

  • 10.11% earn about $40,000.
  • 11.82% earn roughly $51,818.
  • 19.51% earn close to $63,636.
  • 17.66% earn around $75,455.
  • 10.82% earn nearly $87,273.
  • 7.69% earn about $99,091.
  • 8.40% earn close to $110,909.
  • 5.41% earn around $122,727.
  • 1.42% earn roughly $134,545.
  • 1.42% earn nearly $146,364.
  • 0.71% earn about $158,182.
  • Top earners reach up to $170,000.

View Geologist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Geologist?

Cities like San Jose, Sacramento, and Los Angeles offer some of the highest salaries for geologists. In these areas, geologists can expect to earn over $100,000 a year. This makes these locations attractive for job seekers looking to maximize their earnings. Denver, Seattle, and Portland also provide competitive pay for geologists. Salaries here reach close to $90,000. Anchorage, Honolulu, and Austin offer slightly lower but still attractive compensation packages for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $111,111 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $77,592.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $111,111
    Seeking a role in San Jose? This tech hub also offers opportunities in geology. Companies like Google value environmental insights for their large campuses.
    Find Geologist jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $110,963
    In Sacramento, geologists play a key role in managing water resources. State agencies and environmental firms hire experts to ensure sustainable practices.
    Find Geologist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $109,587
    Los Angeles presents exciting geology careers. Firms focus on urban development and natural disaster preparedness. Major companies are always on the lookout for skilled geologists.
    Find Geologist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $105,226
    San Diego's coastal environment needs geologists to study coastal erosion and marine life. Companies in biotech and environmental services hire frequently.
    Find Geologist jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $102,747
    Denver offers a mix of fieldwork and urban geology. The oil and gas industry hires geologists for exploration and resource management.
    Find Geologist jobs in Denver, CO


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $88,924
    Seattle's geology scene is rich with opportunities. Tech giants and environmental startups seek experts to understand local geology for their projects.
    Find Geologist jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $86,058
    Portland values sustainability, making it a great place for geologists. The city's focus on green energy and urban planning creates a demand for geological expertise.
    Find Geologist jobs in Portland, OR


  8. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $86,057
    Anchorage’s geology is unique, with plenty of natural resources. Oil companies and government agencies often seek professionals to explore and manage these resources.
    Find Geologist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  9. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $84,000
    Honolulu offers a chance to work with volcanic and coastal geology. The tourism industry and government agencies often hire geologists to study the local environment.
    Find Geologist jobs in Honolulu, HI


  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $77,592
    Austin’s growing tech scene and natural beauty create a need for geologists. Companies in energy and tech hire experts to understand the local geology.
    Find Geologist jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Geologist can work for?

Geologists looking for top-paying opportunities will find Ninyo & Moore leading the pack with an average salary of $120,920. Another strong contender, CAPE Environmental Management, Inc, offers an average salary of $97,917. Among the other high-paying companies are GEI Consultants, Stantec, and Terracon Consultants Inc, all offering competitive salaries for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting Ninyo & Moore with the highest at $120,920 and HALEY & ALDRICH with the lowest at $68,258.
  1. Ninyo & Moore
    Average Salary: $120,920
    Ninyo & Moore offers exciting Geologist roles with competitive pay. They work globally, with offices in the USA, Canada, and internationally. Ninyo & Moore focuses on environmental consulting, engineering, and construction services.


  2. CAPE Environmental Management, Inc
    Average Salary: $97,917
    CAPE Environmental Management, Inc pays well for Geologist jobs. They operate in the USA and Canada. They provide environmental, engineering, and consulting services.


  3. GEI Consultants
    Average Salary: $95,519
    GEI Consultants offers attractive salaries for Geologists. They work across the USA and Canada. GEI Consultants focuses on engineering and consulting services.


  4. Stantec
    Average Salary: $92,548
    Stantec offers Geologist jobs with a good salary. They have offices worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Stantec provides design and consulting services.


  5. Terracon Consultants Inc
    Average Salary: $87,733
    Terracon Consultants Inc offers Geologist positions with a decent salary. They operate in the USA and Canada. They focus on consulting and engineering services.


  6. AECOM
    Average Salary: $81,139
    AECOM provides Geologist roles with a good salary. They work globally, with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. AECOM offers consulting and engineering services.


  7. Ensolum, LLC
    Average Salary: $71,308
    Ensolum, LLC offers Geologist positions with a fair salary. They work in the USA. They focus on environmental and engineering consulting services.


  8. HALEY & ALDRICH
    Average Salary: $68,258
    HALEY & ALDRICH provides Geologist jobs with a good salary. They operate in the USA. They offer consulting services in environmental and engineering sectors.

How to earn more as a Geologist?

Becoming a geologist opens many career paths. To earn more, focus on certain key areas. Each step can lead to higher pay. By building skills and experience, geologists can improve their earnings.

Gaining advanced degrees is one way to increase income. A master's or a Ph.D. can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Specialization in areas like hydrogeology or geophysics can be particularly lucrative. Keeping up with the latest technology and techniques also helps. Certifications in relevant software or field methods can boost a geologist’s value.

  1. Advanced Education: Complete a master’s or Ph.D. to qualify for higher-paying positions.
  2. Specialization: Focus on areas like hydrogeology or geophysics for better job opportunities.
  3. Certifications: Get certified in software or field techniques to increase market value.
  4. Experience: Work in different environments to build a diverse skill set.
  5. Networking: Join professional groups to connect with industry leaders and learn about new opportunities.

Currently 122 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
122 Job Openings