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Geologist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Geologist I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geologist I in the United States is $52,111 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $60,884
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,308 to $56,703
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,025
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Geologist I Salaries

A Geologist I'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 Geologist I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Geologist I'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:

  • Geologist I (0-2 years): $52,111
  • Geologist II (2-4 years): $68,817
  • Geologist III (4-7 years): $85,555
  • Geologist IV (7+ years): $109,123
  • Geologist V (7-10 years): $131,007
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Geologist I0-2 years$52,111
Geologist II2-4 years$68,817
Geologist III4-7 years$85,555
Geologist IV7+ years$109,123
Geologist V7-10 years$131,007
View as Graph

How Do Geologist I 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 Geologist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $57,697.
  • California: $57,478.
  • Massachusetts: $56,712.

Top Paying Cities for Geologist Is

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: $65,728
  • San Francisco: $65,008
  • Oakland: $63,638

What Skills Can Increase a Geologist I'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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.89%
Python 2.35%
Computer Science 1.67%
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 a Geologist I'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 $65,139
25%
Project Management $59,928
15%
Troubleshooting $58,364
12%
Get Latest Data

Geologist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Geologist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $56,629. While startup companies pay approximate $47,967.

Geologist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $47,967
Growth Stage 51~500 $50,715
Established 501~5000 $54,702
Enterprise 5000+ $56,629

Geologist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Geologist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Geologist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Geologist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Geologist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$78,166$38.050%
Business Services$62,533$30.020%

How Education impacts a Geologist I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Geologist I enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Geologist I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $51,064 and $52,811.

Geologist I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Geologist I
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%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Geologist I'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
$46,308
Average $52,111/year
$56,703
$3,859
Average $4,343/month
$4,725
$891
Average $1,002/week
$1,090
$22
Average $25/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $56,703 $4,725 $1,090 $27
Average $52,111 $4,343 $1,002 $25
25th Percentile $46,308 $3,859 $891 $22

Geologist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Geologist I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Geologist I, 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
Agronomist $67,345 29%
Biologist II $66,840 28%
Geologist II $68,817 32%
Geophysicist II $110,674 112%

Most common benefits for Geologist I

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

Common company salaries for Geologist I

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

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FAQ about Geologist I

1. Where can a Geologist I earn the most?

A Geologist I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Geologist I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Geologist I is $65,728.

2. What is the highest pay for Geologist I?

The highest pay for Geologist I is $60,884.

3. What is the lowest pay for Geologist I?

The lowest pay for Geologist I is $41,025.

4. What are the responsibilities of Geologist I?

Researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers and sediment deposits. Collects rock, soil, and mineral samples and prepares technical reports and geological maps for insight. Studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and size of deposits. Tests mineral quality and purity to determine the feasibility of mining. Utilizes radar imaging, drone technologies, and geological maps to collect, analyze, and interpret site data. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Geologist I?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Geologist I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

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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