How much does a Professional Geologist make in the United States?
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The average Professional Geologist salary in the United States is $136,661 as of May 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Professional Geologist positions (listed below) typically falls between $116,775 and $156,547. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Professional Geologist's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Geologist | $67,795 | $32.59 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Geologist I | $71,532 | $34.39 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Geologist II | $90,940 | $43.72 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Geologist III | $117,166 | $56.33 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Geologist IV | $143,191 | $68.84 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Geologist V | $182,897 | $87.93 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Entry Geologist | $71,600 | $34.42 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Intermediate Geologist | $91,000 | $43.75 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Senior Geologist | $117,170 | $56.33 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Specialist Geologist | $143,200 | $68.85 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
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Geologist I researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers and sediment deposits. Collects rock, soil, and mineral samples and prepares technical reports and geological maps for insight. Being a Geologist I studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and size of deposits. Additionally, Geologist I tests mineral quality and purity to determine the feasibility of mining. Utilizes radar imaging, drone technologies, and geological maps to collect, analyze, and interpret site data. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Geologist I work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. To be a Geologist I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Geologist I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Entry Geologist, Field Geologist I, Mine Geologist I
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Geologist II researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers and sediment deposits. Collects rock, soil, and mineral samples and prepares technical reports and geological maps for insight. Being a Geologist II studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and size of deposits. Additionally, Geologist II tests mineral quality and purity to determine the feasibility of mining. Utilizes radar imaging, drone technologies, and geological maps to collect, analyze, and interpret site data. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Geologist II occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Geologist II typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Geologist II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Field Geologist II, Intermediate Geologist, Mine Geologist II
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Geologist III researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers and sediment deposits. Collects rock, soil, and mineral samples and prepares technical reports and geological maps for insight. Being a Geologist III studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and size of deposits. Additionally, Geologist III tests mineral quality and purity to determine the feasibility of mining. Utilizes radar imaging, drone technologies, and geological maps to collect, analyze, and interpret site data. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Geologist III work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be a Geologist III typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. View Geologist III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Field Geologist III, Mine Geologist III, Senior Geologist
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Geologist IV researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers and sediment deposits. Collects rock, soil, and mineral samples and prepares technical reports and geological maps for insight. Being a Geologist IV studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and size of deposits. Additionally, Geologist IV tests mineral quality and purity to determine the feasibility of mining. Utilizes radar imaging, drone technologies, and geological maps to collect, analyze, and interpret site data. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Geologist IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. To be a Geologist IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Geologist IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Field Geologist IV, Mine Geologist IV, Specialist Geologist
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Geologist V researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers and sediment deposits. Collects rock, soil, and mineral samples and prepares technical reports and geological maps for insight. Being a Geologist V studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and size of deposits. Additionally, Geologist V tests mineral quality and purity to determine the feasibility of mining. Utilizes radar imaging, drone technologies, and geological maps to collect, analyze, and interpret site data. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Geologist V works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. To be a Geologist V typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Geologist V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Expert Geologist, Field Geologist V, Mine Geologist V
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The Entry Geologist researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Being an Entry Geologist estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. In addition, Entry Geologist tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Working as an Entry Geologist typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. View Entry Geologist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Field Geologist I, Mine Geologist I
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The Intermediate Geologist researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Being an Intermediate Geologist estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. In addition, Intermediate Geologist tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Working as an Intermediate Geologist typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. View Intermediate Geologist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Field Geologist II, Mine Geologist II
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The Senior Geologist researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Being a Senior Geologist estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. In addition, Senior Geologist tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Working as a Senior Geologist typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. View Senior Geologist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Field Geologist III, Mine Geologist III
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The Specialist Geologist researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Being a Specialist Geologist estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. In addition, Specialist Geologist tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Working as a Specialist Geologist typically requires 7+ years of related experience. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. View Specialist Geologist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Field Geologist IV, Mine Geologist IV