As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mine Geologist III in the United States is $85,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Mine Geologist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Mine Geologist III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $99,000 | $8,250 | $1,904 | $48 |
| Average | $85,600 | $7,133 | $1,646 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,100 | $6,175 | $1,425 | $36 |
A Mine Geologist III'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 a Mine Geologist III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.45% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.58% |
| Environmental Science | 1.96% |
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 a Mine Geologist III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Resource Management | $91,592 | |
| Commitment | $90,736 | |
| Leadership | $90,736 |
Mine Geologist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $93,022. While startup companies pay approximate $78,792.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $78,792 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $83,308 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $89,856 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $93,022 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mine Geologist IIIs 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 a Mine Geologist III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $82,485 and $86,619).
| Typical Education for Mine Geologist III | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 42.7% |
| High School | 48.0% |
| Associates | 9.3% |
| Bachelors | 42.7% |
| Masters | 48.0% |
| Doctorate | 9.3% |
Understanding how a Mine Geologist III'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $99,000 | $8,250 | $1,904 | $48 |
| Average | $85,600 | $7,133 | $1,646 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,100 | $6,175 | $1,425 | $36 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mine Geologist III, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Biologist | $120,900 | 41% |
| Mine Geologist IV | $109,200 | 28% |
| Specialist Geophysicist | $156,300 | 83% |
| Hydrogeologist IV | $143,100 | 67% |
Salaries for a Mine Geologist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $115,354 in 2023 to around $99,369 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mine Geologist III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $115,354 |
| 2024 | $106,356 |
| 2025 | $99,369 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Mine Geologist III roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
James Hutton (1726–1797), a Scottish farmer and naturalist, is recognized as the founder of modern geology. His keen observations and carefully reasoned geological arguments laid the groundwork for the field. Today, mine geologists earn between $80,300 and $99,800, with a median salary of $85,400, reflecting the importance of their expertise in understanding Earth's resources.
NASA geologists typically earn between $80,300 and $99,800 annually, with a median salary of around $85,400. This range indicates that salaries can vary significantly based on experience and specific roles within the organization.
Yes, geologists are in high demand, with an estimated 26,300 geologists in the U.S. The job market for geologists is projected to grow by 4.9% from 2022 to 2032. Salaries for mine geologists range from $80,300 to $99,800, with a median salary of $85,400, reflecting the increasing need for their expertise in various industries.
A Geologist 1 is an entry-level position in the Geologist series or a full working level for geological assistants. This role involves responsible professional work under direct supervision, assisting senior Geologists in collecting, collating, and compiling geological data. The salary for this position ranges from $80,300 to $99,800, with a mid-point of $85,400.
Category: Engineering and Scientific. The GEOLOGIST III assists in planning and developing geologic projects or programs and coordinates and participates in geological activities. The salary for this position ranges from $80,300 to $99,800, with a mid-point salary of $85,400, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved in the role.
Among geologists, petroleum geologists typically earn the highest salaries, followed closely by mining geologists. For mining geologists, the salary range is between $80,300 and $99,800, with a median salary of $85,400. Other high-paying roles include engineering geologists and hydrogeologists, but mining geologists remain competitive in the field.
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