Geologist Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Geologist make?

The average salary for a Geologist is $87,558 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Geologist positions, showing an average salary of $87,558 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Geologist positions, showing an average salary of $87,558 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Geologist positions, showing an average salary of $87,558 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Geologist positions, showing an average salary of $87,558 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Geologists study the Earth's physical features and processes. They work in various fields, from mining to environmental science. On average, a geologist earns around $87,558 a year. This number helps show what many can expect to make in this career.

Geologists' salaries vary based on experience and location. The data shows a range from about $40,000 for those just starting out to over $180,000 for top professionals. Factors like where they work and their role in a company affect their pay. Mining and oil companies often offer higher salaries than other sectors. In general, geologists with more experience and special skills can expect to earn more.

What are the highest paying cities for a Geologist?

Job seekers looking to maximize their earnings in the field of geology will find attractive opportunities in several top cities. Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Denver offer the highest average salaries, with Los Angeles leading at nearly $120,000. These cities provide competitive pay packages and a range of professional opportunities for geologists. Exploring beyond these top earners, cities like San Diego, Anchorage, and Seattle also provide strong earning potentials for geologists. Austin, though lower on the average salary scale, still offers a respectable income for professionals in this field. Each of these cities presents valuable career options for those pursuing a geology career.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $119,147 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $77,935.

Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $119,147
In Los Angeles, professionals in this field can find work with major oil companies and environmental consulting firms. The city's diverse landscape offers opportunities to study both urban and natural environments.
Find Geologist jobs in Los Angeles, CA
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $112,897
Sacramento offers roles with state government agencies and private consulting firms. People in this line of work contribute to water resource management and land-use planning.
Find Geologist jobs in Sacramento, CA
Denver, CO
Average Salary: $111,035
Denver provides a strong market for those who enjoy fieldwork. The city's mining history and natural resources create many job openings in geological studies.
Find Geologist jobs in Denver, CO
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $105,118
San Diego's coastal location makes it a hotspot for marine geology. Companies focused on offshore energy and coastal engineering are often hiring.
Find Geologist jobs in San Diego, CA
Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $94,258
Anchorage has a unique demand for geological expertise due to its Arctic environment. Oil and gas companies, along with government bodies, seek professionals to navigate Alaska’s tough terrain.
Find Geologist jobs in Anchorage, AK
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $90,948
Seattle's tech-savvy environment presents opportunities for those merging geology with technology. The area's focus on sustainable development also creates roles in environmental consulting.
Find Geologist jobs in Seattle, WA
Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $85,500
Honolulu's volcanic activity and coastal geography offer exciting prospects for those studying geological hazards. Work here often involves collaboration with government and research institutions.
Find Geologist jobs in Honolulu, HI
Austin, TX
Average Salary: $77,935
Austin's booming economy and tech industry lead to unique opportunities in geoscience. Companies interested in renewable energy and water management frequently hire geologists.
Find Geologist jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Geologist can work for?

For job seekers interested in geologist positions, some of the top-paying companies include the State Water Resources Control Board, offering an average salary of $127,583. Cape Environmental Management Inc provides an average salary of $96,500. AECOM offers geologists around $89,840 annually, presenting good career opportunities. Earth Engineering Incorporated, while lower, still offers a respectable $40,000 per year. Choosing a company with a higher salary can provide financial security. The State Water Resources Control Board and Cape Environmental Management Inc offer the most attractive salaries. These companies value their geologists and provide competitive compensation packages. Aspiring geologists should consider these companies for their job search.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Geologist jobs, highlighting State Water Resources Control Board with the highest at $127,583 and Earth Engineering Incorporated with the lowest at $40,000.

State Water Resources Control Board
Average Salary: $127,583
The State Water Resources Control Board offers exciting Geologist jobs. They focus on water resource management across the state. They have offices in major cities, providing opportunities to work in various environments.
Cape Environmental Management Inc
Average Salary: $96,500
Cape Environmental Management Inc is a leading company in environmental consulting. They hire Geologists for projects related to environmental impact assessments. This company operates nationwide with offices in many key locations.
AECOM
Average Salary: $89,840
AECOM provides Geologist jobs with a focus on consulting and engineering. They work on large projects across many industries. Their offices are in major cities, offering diverse work experiences.
Earth Engineering Incorporated
Average Salary: $40,000
Earth Engineering Incorporated offers entry-level Geologist jobs. They provide opportunities for learning and growth. This company operates in many regions, offering field-based work in various locations.

How to earn more as a Geologist?

Geologists have the chance to earn more by gaining specific skills and experience. They can increase their value by specializing in areas with high demand, such as energy resources or environmental consulting. Working in regions where geological expertise is needed can also lead to higher pay.

Networking with industry professionals and staying updated on the latest technologies can open doors to better-paying opportunities. Certifications in specialized areas like geophysics or petroleum geology can further boost earning potential. Continuous learning and professional development also help geologists stand out in the job market.

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

Specialize in high-demand areas
Work in regions with geological needs
Get certifications in specialized fields
Network with industry professionals
Stay updated on the latest technologies

How much does a Geologist make?

What are the highest paying cities for a Geologist?

What are the best companies a Geologist can work for?

How to earn more as a Geologist?

Currently 90 Geologist job openings, nationwide.

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

Win at hiring.