Geologist
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future. They work to understand a range of issues related to geologic features and processes.
$94,580
Median Salary
$101,201
Mean Salary
31,800
Total Employment
5%
Job Growth
About as fast as average
Bachelor's degree
Education
2,544
Openings/Year
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $56,748
25th Percentile $73,772
Median $94,580
75th Percentile $121,062
90th Percentile $158,894
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
Texas 3,484
California 3,157
New York 2,091
Florida 1,555
Georgia 1,240
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $183,403 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $146,886 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $142,515 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $139,670 |
| 5 | New York | $131,530 |
| 6 | California | $124,336 |
| 7 | Colorado | $122,732 |
| 8 | Oregon | $119,066 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $115,445 |
| 10 | Alaska | $115,131 |
| 11 | Maine | $114,665 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | $114,598 |
| 13 | Vermont | $113,937 |
| 14 | Nevada | $112,916 |
| 15 | Minnesota | $112,807 |
| 16 | Maryland | $111,297 |
| 17 | New Hampshire | $105,127 |
| 18 | Washington | $104,750 |
| 19 | Delaware | $104,212 |
| 20 | Idaho | $103,515 |
| 21 | Illinois | $103,090 |
| 22 | Georgia | $102,318 |
| 23 | Arizona | $99,669 |
| 24 | Pennsylvania | $98,243 |
| 25 | Missouri | $97,197 |
| 26 | Iowa | $96,725 |
| 27 | Michigan | $96,254 |
| 28 | Virginia | $95,830 |
| 29 | Wisconsin | $93,784 |
| 30 | Indiana | $92,938 |
| 31 | Alabama | $92,330 |
| 32 | Ohio | $91,639 |
| 33 | North Dakota | $90,526 |
| 34 | Montana | $90,463 |
| 35 | Florida | $89,011 |
| 36 | Arkansas | $88,970 |
| 37 | South Carolina | $88,679 |
| 38 | Utah | $88,501 |
| 39 | Nebraska | $88,325 |
| 40 | North Carolina | $86,724 |
| 41 | Louisiana | $85,177 |
| 42 | Wyoming | $84,497 |
| 43 | New Mexico | $83,283 |
| 44 | South Dakota | $82,733 |
| 45 | Texas | $81,688 |
| 46 | Mississippi | $78,469 |
| 47 | Kansas | $78,187 |
| 48 | Tennessee | $77,162 |
| 49 | West Virginia | $75,558 |
| 50 | Kentucky | $74,489 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $70,775 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Geologist?
The median salary for a Geologist is $94,580 per year nationally. Salaries range from $56,748 (10th percentile) to $158,894 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Geologist?
A Geologist typically requires a bachelor's degree.
What is the job outlook for Geologists?
Employment of geologists is projected to grow 5% — about as fast as average. About 2,544 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Geologists the most?
Hawaii pays the highest median salary for geologists at $183,403 per year.