As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Field Geologist IV in the United States is $109,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Field Geologist IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Field Geologist IV'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Field Geologist IV'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Geologist | 2-4 years | $68,837 |
| Mine Geologist III | 4-7 years | $85,576 |
| Field Geologist IV | 7+ years | $109,159 |
| Expert Geologist | 7-10 years | $131,059 |
| Field Geology Manager | 10+ years | $139,750 |
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 Field Geologist IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.39% |
| Technical Writing | 2.07% |
| Sample Collection | 1.36% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$143,039 |
31%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$115,741 |
6%
|
|
Microsoft Word
|
$114,650 |
5%
|
|
Technical Excellence
|
$114,650 |
5%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$114,650 |
5%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$113,558 |
4%
|
Field Geologist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $118,797. While startup companies pay approximate $100,645.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $100,645 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $106,409 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $114,765 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $118,797 |
For Field Geologist IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Field Geologist positions in Construction or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Field Geologist IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $120,109 | $58.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $114,650 | $55.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Field Geologist IV'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Field Geologist IV, 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Expert Biologist | $137,100 | 26% |
| Expert Geologist | $131,100 | 20% |
| Chief Geophysicist | $192,100 | 76% |
| Microbiologist, Lead/Master | $133,900 | 23% |
Salaries for a Field Geologist IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $135,395 in 2023 to around $123,374 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Field Geologist IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $135,395 |
| 2024 | $128,644 |
| 2025 | $123,374 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Field Geologist IV roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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