As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geologist IV in the United States is $109,229 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, a Geologist IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
Recruit with AI
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist II | 2-4 years | $68,876 |
| Geologist III | 4-7 years | $85,619 |
| Geologist IV | 7+ years | $109,229 |
| Geologist V | 7-10 years | $131,161 |
| Geologist Manager | 10+ years | $139,707 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.39% |
| Technical Writing | 2.07% |
| Sample Collection | 1.36% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$143,090 |
31%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$115,783 |
6%
|
|
Microsoft Word
|
$114,690 |
5%
|
|
Technical Excellence
|
$114,690 |
5%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$114,690 |
5%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$113,598 |
4%
|
Geologist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $118,834. While startup companies pay approximate $100,624.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $100,624 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $106,393 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $114,801 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $118,834 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Geologist IVs 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $95,403 and $103,984).
Geologist IV Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
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 June 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $137,004 | 25% |
| Geologist V | $131,161 | 20% |
| Geophysicist V | $192,076 | 76% |
| Microbiologist V | $133,872 | 23% |
Salaries for a Geologist IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $135,395 in 2023 to around $123,374 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Geologist IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $135,395 |
| 2024 | $128,644 |
| 2025 | $123,374 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Geologist IV and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Geologist IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
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 $137,771.
The highest pay for Geologist IV is $118,785.
The lowest pay for Geologist IV is $88,285.
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.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
