As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Expert Geologist in the United States is $131,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, an Expert Geologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Expert 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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Expert 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Mine Geologist III | 4-7 years | $85,725 |
| Mine Geologist IV | 7+ years | $109,406 |
| Expert Geologist | 7-10 years | $131,420 |
| Field Geology Manager | 10+ years | $139,597 |
| VP of Geological Operations | 10+ years | $276,218 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Expert Geologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 5.52% |
| Technical Writing | 2.06% |
| Sample Collection | 1.35% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
PowerPoint
|
$164,375 |
25%
|
|
Environmental Consulting
|
$160,430 |
22%
|
|
Coordination
|
$152,540 |
16%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$152,540 |
16%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$149,910 |
14%
|
|
Civil Engineering
|
$147,280 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Expert 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 Expert Geologist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $120,575 and $131,266).
Expert Geologist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 39.6% |
| High School | 45.5% |
| Associates | 14.9% |
| Bachelors | 39.6% |
| Masters | 45.5% |
| Doctorate | 14.9% |
Understanding how an Expert 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for an Expert Geologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $166,173 in 2023 to around $140,291 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Expert Geologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $166,173 |
| 2024 | $150,274 |
| 2025 | $140,291 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Expert Geologist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The lowest paid expert geologist earns a minimum salary of $108,600 annually. In contrast, the mid-range salary is approximately $130,700, while top earners can make up to $143,400. This reflects a significant increase compared to entry-level positions, which typically range from $52,000 to $81,500.
Yes, geologists can pursue advanced degrees, such as a master's or PhD, to enhance their career opportunities, particularly in supervisory roles like professors or researchers. With a PhD, geologists can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $108,600 to a mid-level of $130,700, and potentially up to $143,400, depending on their experience and expertise.
While CEO positions are often cited as the highest paying jobs, specialized roles like Expert Geologist also command impressive salaries. An Expert Geologist can expect a minimum salary of $108,600, a mid-range salary of $130,700, and a maximum salary of $143,400, reflecting the high demand and expertise required in this field.
Geology majors can earn competitive salaries. For expert geologists, the salary range is between $108,600 and $143,400, with a median salary of $130,700. This indicates that with experience and advanced degrees, geology professionals can achieve substantial earnings in their field.
Australia and New Zealand are excellent countries for geologists, offering world-class universities and unique geological features. With salaries ranging from $108,600 to $143,400, these nations provide attractive financial prospects for professionals in the field. Additionally, their geology programs are open to international students, enhancing educational opportunities.
The highest salary for an Expert Geologist is approximately $143,400 per year. The salary range typically starts at a minimum of $108,600, with a mid-level salary around $130,700. These figures reflect the earning potential for geoscientists in the field.
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.)
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