How much does a Professional Geologist make in the United States?
-
The average Professional Geologist salary in the United States is $94,618 as of January 01, 2025. The range for our most popular Professional Geologist positions (listed below) typically falls between $81,832 and $107,404. 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 | $68,914 | $33.13 | United States | January 01, 2025 |
| Geologist I | $52,187 | $25.09 | United States | January 01, 2025 |
| Geologist II | $67,505 | $32.45 | United States | January 01, 2025 |
| Geologist III | $85,352 | $41.03 | United States | January 01, 2025 |
| Geologist IV | $102,329 | $49.20 | United States | January 01, 2025 |
| Geologist V | $130,683 | $62.83 | United States | January 01, 2025 |
| Entry Geologist | $52,200 | $25.10 | United States | January 01, 2025 |
| Intermediate Geologist | $67,600 | $32.50 | United States | January 01, 2025 |
| Senior Geologist | $85,360 | $41.04 | United States | January 01, 2025 |
| Specialist Geologist | $102,330 | $49.20 | United States | January 01, 2025 |
-
Geologist I researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Being a Geologist I studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Additionally, Geologist I tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Geologist I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. View Geologist I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Entry Geologist, Mine Geologist I
-
Geologist II researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Being a Geologist II studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Additionally, Geologist II tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Geologist II 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 Geologist II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Geologist, Mine Geologist II
-
Geologist III researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Being a Geologist III studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Additionally, Geologist III tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Geologist III 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 Geologist III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Mine Geologist III, Senior Geologist
-
Geologist IV researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Being a Geologist IV studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Additionally, Geologist IV 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. To be a Geologist IV 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 Geologist IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Mine Geologist IV, Specialist Geologist
-
Geologist V researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Being a Geologist V studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Additionally, Geologist V tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Demonstrates expertise in a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. To be a Geologist V typically requires 10+ years of related experience. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. 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. View Geologist V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Expert Geologist, Mine Geologist V
-
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:Mine Geologist I
-
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:Mine Geologist II
-
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:Mine Geologist III
-
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:Mine Geologist IV