As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Geologist II in the United States is $33, which translates to an annual salary of about $68,857.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Geologist II'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 Geologist II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist I | 0-2 years | $52,154 |
| Geologist II | 2-4 years | $68,857 |
| Geologist III | 4-7 years | $85,598 |
| Geologist IV | 7+ years | $109,195 |
| Geologist V | 7-10 years | $131,111 |
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 Geologist IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.56% |
| Chemistry | 2.16% |
| Environmental Consulting | 1.47% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$72,300 |
5%
|
|
Management Skills
|
$71,611 |
4%
|
|
Database Management
|
$71,611 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$70,923 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$70,923 |
3%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$70,234 |
2%
|
Geologist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $74,912. While startup companies pay approximate $63,432.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $63,432 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $67,069 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $72,369 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $74,912 |
For Geologist II 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, Geologist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Geologist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $89,514 | $43.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $82,628 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $75,743 | $36.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Geologist IIs 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 Geologist II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $64,309 and $69,886).
Geologist II Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Geologist II'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Geologist II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $94,989 in 2023 to around $87,735 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Geologist II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $94,989 |
| 2024 | $89,752 |
| 2025 | $87,735 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Geologist II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
Chemistry: Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances of which matter is composed.
Environmental Consulting: 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.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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