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Geologist II Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geologist II in the United States is $68,837 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $78,473
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,523 to $73,881
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,864
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Geologist II Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Geologist II Salaries?

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:

  • Geologist I (0-2 years): $52,133
  • Geologist II (2-4 years): $68,837
  • Geologist III (4-7 years): $85,576
  • Geologist IV (7+ years): $109,159
  • Geologist V (7-10 years): $131,059
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Geologist I0-2 years$52,133
Geologist II2-4 years$68,837
Geologist III4-7 years$85,576
Geologist IV7+ years$109,159
Geologist V7-10 years$131,059
View as Graph

How Do Geologist IIs 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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $76,216.
  • California: $75,927.
  • Massachusetts: $74,915.

Top Paying Cities for Geologist II

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: $86,824
  • San Francisco: $85,873
  • Oakland: $84,064

What Skills Can Increase a Geologist II'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 a Geologist II'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 $72,279
5%
Management Skills $71,590
4%
Database Management $71,590
4%
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Geologist II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Geologist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $74,893. While startup companies pay approximate $63,450.

Geologist II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $63,450
Growth Stage 51~500 $67,084
Established 501~5000 $72,352
Enterprise 5000+ $74,893

Geologist II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Geologist II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$89,488$43.030%
Energy & Utilities$82,604$40.020%
Construction$75,721$36.010%

How Education impacts an Geologist II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Geologist II 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $64,309 and $69,886.

Geologist II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Geologist II
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

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

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 August 01, 2026
$61,523
Average $68,837/year
$73,881
$5,127
Average $5,736/month
$6,157
$1,183
Average $1,324/week
$1,421
$30
Average $33/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $73,881 $6,157 $1,421 $36
Average $68,837 $5,736 $1,324 $33
25th Percentile $61,523 $5,127 $1,183 $30

Geologist II Salary Growth & Career Path

Geologist II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Geologist II, 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
Biologist III $83,428 21%
Geologist III $85,576 24%
Geophysicist III $141,464 106%
Hydrologist III $112,995 64%

Most common benefits for Geologist II

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

Common company salaries for Geologist II

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

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FAQ about Geologist II

1. Where can a Geologist II earn the most?

A Geologist II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Geologist II is $86,824.

2. What is the highest pay for Geologist II?

The highest pay for Geologist II is $78,473.

3. What is the lowest pay for Geologist II?

The lowest pay for Geologist II is $54,864.

4. What are the responsibilities of Geologist II?

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.

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Geologist II roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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