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Intermediate Geologist Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Geologist in the United States is $68,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $78,643
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,600 to $74,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,954
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Intermediate Geologist Salaries

An Intermediate 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 Intermediate Geologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Intermediate 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): $52,111
  • Intermediate Geologist (2-4 years): $68,817
  • Mine Geologist III (4-7 years): $85,555
  • Mine Geologist IV (7+ years): $109,123
  • Expert Geologist (7-10 years): $131,007
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Geologist0-2 years$52,111
Intermediate Geologist2-4 years$68,817
Mine Geologist III4-7 years$85,555
Mine Geologist IV7+ years$109,123
Expert Geologist7-10 years$131,007
View as Graph

How Do Intermediate Geologist Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Intermediate Geologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $76,200.
  • California: $76,000.
  • Massachusetts: $74,900.

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate 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: $86,800
  • San Francisco: $85,900
  • Oakland: $84,100

What Skills Can Increase an Intermediate Geologist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.56% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Chemistry (Mentioned in 2.16% Job Postings): Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances of which matter is composed.
  • Environmental Consulting (Mentioned in 1.47% Job Postings): Environmental consulting is often a form of compliance consulting, in which the consultant ensures that the client maintains an appropriate measure of compliance with environmental regulations. There are many types of environmental consultants, but the two main groups are those who enter the field from the industry side, and those who enter the field from the environmentalist side. Environmental consultants work in a very wide variety of fields. Whether it be providing construction services such as Asbestos Hazard Assessments or Lead Hazard Assessments or conducting due diligence reports for customers to rid them of possible sanctions. Consultancies may generalize across a wide range of disciplines or specialize in certain areas of environmental consultancy such as waste management. Environmental consultants usually have an undergraduate degree and sometimes even master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geology, or some other science discipline. They should have deep knowledge on environmental regulations, which they can advise particular clients in the private industry or public government institutions to help them steer clear of possible fines, legal action or misguided transactions.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.56%
Chemistry 2.16%
Environmental Consulting 1.47%
See More Skills

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 Intermediate Geologist's salary.

  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Management Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Database Management: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Project Management $72,345
5%
Management Skills $71,656
4%
Database Management $71,656
4%
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Intermediate Geologist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Intermediate Geologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $74,874. While startup companies pay approximate $63,420.

Intermediate Geologist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $63,420
Growth Stage 51~500 $67,055
Established 501~5000 $72,326
Enterprise 5000+ $74,874

Intermediate Geologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Intermediate Geologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Intermediate Geologist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate Geologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Intermediate Geologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$89,570$43.030%
Energy & Utilities$82,680$40.020%
Construction$75,790$36.010%

How Education impacts an Intermediate Geologist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate 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 Intermediate Geologist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $64,119 and $69,676).

Intermediate Geologist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Intermediate Geologist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 58.6%
High School 37.9%
Associates 3.4%
Bachelors 58.6%
Masters 37.9%
Doctorate 3.4%
View as Graph

Intermediate Geologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Intermediate 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 September 01, 2026
$61,600
Average $68,900/year
$74,000
$5,133
Average $5,742/month
$6,167
$1,185
Average $1,325/week
$1,423
$30
Average $33/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $74,000 $6,167 $1,423 $36
Average $68,900 $5,742 $1,325 $33
25th Percentile $61,600 $5,133 $1,185 $30

Intermediate Geologist Salary Growth & Career Path

Intermediate Geologist

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Senior Biologist $83,500 21%
Mine Geologist III $85,600 24%
Senior Geophysicist $141,500 105%
Hydrogeologist III $113,100 64%

Most common benefits for Intermediate Geologist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Intermediate Geologist

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

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FAQ about Intermediate Geologist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Intermediate Geologist?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Intermediate Geologist roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Is there a shortage of geologists?

Yes, there is a shortage of geologists, particularly as demand for critical minerals rises in industries like construction, electronics, and agriculture. This shortage is concerning, especially for intermediate geologists, whose salaries range from $60,600 to $86,400, reflecting the growing need for their expertise in a competitive job market.

3. How much do NASA geologists make?

NASA geologists, specifically at the intermediate level, can expect salaries ranging from $60,600 to $86,400 per year. The median salary is approximately $67,600. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field.

4. Is a geologist a good job?

Job prospects for geologists are strong and growing. With a salary range for Intermediate Geologists between $60,600 and $86,400, the average salary is around $67,600. This indicates a solid earning potential, making geology a promising career choice for those interested in the field.

5. Does NASA hire geologists?

Yes, NASA hires geologists as part of its diverse team, which includes various scientific disciplines. Geologists play a crucial role in NASA's mission, contributing to projects like designing instruments for space exploration. The salary for an Intermediate Geologist at NASA ranges from $60,600 to $86,400, with a mid-range salary of $67,600.

6. What GPA do you need to be a geologist?

Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher to pursue a career as a geologist. The salary for an Intermediate Geologist ranges from $60,600 to $86,400, with a median salary of $67,600. Submitting a GRE score is encouraged, particularly for those without an undergraduate degree in geology.

7. What is the lowest paid Geologist?

The lowest paid Intermediate Geologist earns a minimum salary of $60,600 annually. In comparison, the average salary is around $67,600, while top earners can make up to $86,400. This reflects a more focused salary range for Intermediate Geologists compared to broader geologist salary data.

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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