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Entry Geologist Salary in the United States

How much does an Entry Geologist make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Geologist in the United States is $52,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, an Entry Geologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $60,988
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,400 to $56,800
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,119
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View as table View as graph 25% $46,400 10% $41,119 90% $60,988 75% $56,800 $52,200 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Entry Geologist Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $56,800 $4,733 $1,092 $27
Average $52,200 $4,350 $1,004 $25
25th Percentile $46,400 $3,867 $892 $22
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Key Factors That Influence Entry Geologist Salaries

An Entry Geologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Entry Geologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Geologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry Geologist (0-2 years): $52,197
  • Intermediate Geologist (2-4 years): $68,897
  • Mine Geologist III (4-7 years): $85,641
  • Mine Geologist IV (7+ years): $109,266
  • Expert Geologist (7-10 years): $131,215
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Geologist0-2 years$52,197
Intermediate Geologist2-4 years$68,897
Mine Geologist III4-7 years$85,641
Mine Geologist IV7+ years$109,266
Expert Geologist7-10 years$131,215
$52,197 Entry Geo...
$68,897 Intermedi...
$85,641 Mine Geol...
$109,266 Mine Geol...
$131,215 Expert Ge...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Entry Geologists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $65,900
  • San Francisco: $65,200
  • Oakland: $63,800

What Skills Can Increase an Entry Geologist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.89% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Python (Mentioned in 2.35% Job Postings): Applying the concepts and algorithms of Python to design, develop and maintain software applications to comply with business requirements.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 1.67% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.89%
Python 2.35%
Computer Science 1.67%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Entry Geologist's salary.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Troubleshooting: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Commitment
$65,250
25%
Project Management
$60,030
15%
Troubleshooting
$58,464
12%
Integrity
$57,942
11%
Environmental Consulting
$57,420
10%
Flexibility
$57,420
10%
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How Education impacts an Entry Geologist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Geologists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Geologist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $50,894 and $52,640).

Entry Geologist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Entry Geologist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.4%
High School 2.4%
Associates 1.7%
Bachelors 59.0%
Masters 33.1%
Doctorate 3.8%
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Entry Geologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Geologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on May 01, 2026

Entry Geologist Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Geologist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Entry Geologist Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Crop Scientist $67,400 29%
Intermediate Biologist $66,900 28%
Intermediate Geologist $68,900 32%
Intermediate Geophysicist $104,400 100%

Salary Trends for Entry Geologist

Salaries for an Entry Geologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $82,426 in 2023 to around $76,011 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Geologist salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Entry Geologist Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$82,426
2024
$78,114
2025
$76,011
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $82,426
2024 $78,114
2025 $76,011
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Entry Geologist

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Entry Geologist

Here are companies hiring for Entry Geologist and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Geologist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Entry Geologist

1. What state pays geologists the most?

The salary data for entry-level geologists indicates a minimum salary of $50,400, a mid-range salary of $52,200, and a maximum salary of $61,300. While some cities like Houston, TX, and Sacramento, CA, offer higher salaries for experienced geologists, entry-level positions typically start within this range across various states.

2. How much do geologists make a month in the US?

As of now, the salary for an Entry Geologist in the United States ranges from $50,400 to $61,300 annually. This translates to a monthly income of approximately $4,200 to $5,108. The median salary is around $52,200, which equates to about $4,350 per month.

3. Is geology a high paying major?

Geology can offer competitive salaries, especially for entry-level positions. For an entry geologist, salaries range from a minimum of $50,400 to a maximum of $61,300, with a median salary around $52,200. While the starting pay may not be as high as some other fields, there are significant growth opportunities in the geosciences.

4. Are geologists in demand in USA?

Geologists are in demand in the USA, with an estimated 26,300 professionals currently in the field. The job market for geologists is projected to grow by 4.9% from 2022 to 2032. Entry-level geologists can expect salaries ranging from $50,400 to $61,300, with a median salary of $52,200, reflecting the growing need for their expertise.

5. What are 5 potential jobs for geology?

Geology majors can pursue various careers, including engineering geologists, hydrogeologists, geophysicists, geochemists, and petroleum geologists. Entry-level positions in these fields typically offer salaries ranging from $50,400 to $61,300, with a median salary around $52,200, providing a solid foundation for a rewarding career in geology.

6. How much do entry level geologists make in the US?

Entry level geologists in the US typically earn between $50,400 and $61,300 annually, with a median salary around $52,200. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $24.21 to $29.41, or about $1,200 to $1,300 per week.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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