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Geologist IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geologist IV in the United States is $109,159 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $118,711
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,201 to $114,159
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $88,224
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Geologist IV Salaries

A Geologist IV'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 IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Geologist IV'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 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
  • Geologist Manager (10+ years): $139,750
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Geologist II2-4 years$68,837
Geologist III4-7 years$85,576
Geologist IV7+ years$109,159
Geologist V7-10 years$131,059
Geologist Manager10+ years$139,750
View as Graph

How Do Geologist IVs 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $120,861.
  • California: $120,402.
  • Massachusetts: $118,798.

Top Paying Cities for Geologist IV

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: $137,682
  • San Francisco: $136,175
  • Oakland: $133,305

What Skills Can Increase a Geologist IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.39% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Technical Writing (Mentioned in 2.07% Job Postings): Technical writing is writing or drafting technical communication used in technical and occupational fields, such as computer hardware and software, engineering, chemistry, aeronautics, robotics, finance, medical, consumer electronics, biotechnology and forestry. Technical writing encompasses the largest sub-field within technical communication. The Society for Technical Communication defines technical communication as any form of communication that exhibits one or more of the following characteristics: "(1) communicating about technical or specialized topics, such as computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental regulations; (2) communicating by using technology, such as web pages, help files, or social media sites; or (3) providing instructions about how to do something, regardless of how technical the task is".
  • Sample Collection (Mentioned in 1.36% Job Postings): Obtaining and isolating environmental samples to verify sources of contamination and assess their associated risks to public health.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.39%
Technical Writing 2.07%
Sample Collection 1.36%
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 IV's salary.

  • Coaching: Can increase your salary by up to 31%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Microsoft Word: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coaching $142,998
31%
Collaboration $115,709
6%
Microsoft Word $114,617
5%
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Geologist IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Geologist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $118,763. While startup companies pay approximate $100,616.

Geologist IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $100,616
Growth Stage 51~500 $106,379
Established 501~5000 $114,732
Enterprise 5000+ $118,763

Geologist IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Geologist IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Geologist positions in Construction or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Geologist IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Geologist IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Business Services$120,075$58.010%
Energy & Utilities$114,617$55.05%

How Education impacts an Geologist IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Geologist IV 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $95,403 and $103,984.

Geologist IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Geologist IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 35.1%
High School 59.7%
Associates 5.2%
Bachelors 35.1%
Masters 59.7%
Doctorate 5.2%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Geologist IV'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
$98,201
Average $109,159/year
$114,159
$8,183
Average $9,097/month
$9,513
$1,888
Average $2,099/week
$2,195
$47
Average $52/hour
$55
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $114,159 $9,513 $2,195 $55
Average $109,159 $9,097 $2,099 $52
25th Percentile $98,201 $8,183 $1,888 $47

Geologist IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Geologist IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Geologist IV, 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 V $137,002 26%
Geologist V $131,059 20%
Geophysicist V $192,094 76%
Microbiologist V $133,864 23%

Most common benefits for Geologist IV

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

Common company salaries for Geologist IV

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

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FAQ about Geologist IV

1. Where can a Geologist IV earn the most?

A Geologist IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Geologist IV is $137,682.

2. What is the highest pay for Geologist IV?

The highest pay for Geologist IV is $118,711.

3. What is the lowest pay for Geologist IV?

The lowest pay for Geologist IV is $88,224.

4. What are the responsibilities of Geologist IV?

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 highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

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

The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Geologist IV roles, with salaries approximately 10% 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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