As of March 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Geologist I in the United States is $52,399. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $50,583 to $61,537, with most professionals earning between $48,930 and $69,857.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $61,537 | $5,128 | $1,183 | $30 |
| Average | $52,399 | $4,367 | $1,008 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,583 | $4,215 | $973 | $24 |
An entry-level Geologist I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $51,732. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $52,136. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $54,162. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $54,568, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $54,838.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Geologist I | $51,732 |
| Intermediate Level Geologist I | $52,136 |
| Senior Level Geologist I | $54,162 |
| Specialist Level Geologist I | $54,568 |
| Expert Level Geologist I | $54,838 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 1% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 4% |
| Experienced | 5% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of March 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Geologist I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $82,426 in 2023 to approximately $78,114 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Geologist I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Geologist I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Geologist I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Geologist I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $52,399 | 70.2% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,008 | 5.4% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,463 | 3.3% | ||
| Disability | $419 | 0.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 8.1% | ||
| Pension | $2,882 | 3.9% | ||
| Time Off | $6,449 | 8.6% | ||
| Total Compensation | $74,676 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 1.7% |
| Bachelors | 59.0% |
| Masters | 33.1% |
| Doctorate | 3.8% |
What Am I Worth?
The average annual salary of Geologist I is $52,399. In case you are finding an easy salary calculator, the average hourly pay of Geologist I is $25; the average weekly pay of Geologist I is $1,008; the average monthly pay of Geologist I is $4,367.
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 $65,760.
The highest pay for Geologist I is $69,857.
The lowest pay for Geologist I is $48,930.
Geologist I researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Being a Geologist I studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Additionally, Geologist I tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Geologist I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed.
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Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
Python: Applying the concepts and algorithms of Python to design, develop and maintain software applications to comply with business requirements.
Computer Science: 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.
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.
