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Geologist Manager Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geologist Manager in the United States is $125,621 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $149,446
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $114,927 to $138,092
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $105,191
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Geologist Manager Salaries

A Geologist Manager'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Geologist Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Geologist Manager'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 III (4-7 years): $85,555
  • Geologist IV (7+ years): $109,123
  • Geologist V (7-10 years): $131,007
  • Geologist Manager (10+ years): $125,621
  • VP of Geology (10+ years): $276,716
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Geologist III4-7 years$85,555
Geologist IV7+ years$109,123
Geologist V7-10 years$131,007
Geologist Manager10+ years$125,621
VP of Geology10+ years$276,716
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How Do Geologist Manager 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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $139,088.
  • California: $138,560.
  • Massachusetts: $136,713.

Top Paying Cities for Geologist Managers

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: $158,446
  • San Francisco: $156,711
  • Oakland: $153,408

Geologist Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Geologist Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $136,513. While startup companies pay approximate $115,630.

Geologist Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $115,630
Growth Stage 51~500 $122,257
Established 501~5000 $131,867
Enterprise 5000+ $136,513

Geologist Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Geologist Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Geologist Manager positions in Retail & Wholesale or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Geologist Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Geologist Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$175,869$85.040%
Energy & Utilities$163,307$79.030%
Business Services$150,745$72.020%

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

Understanding how a Geologist Manager'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 September 01, 2026
$114,927
Average $125,621/year
$138,092
$9,577
Average $10,468/month
$11,508
$2,210
Average $2,416/week
$2,656
$55
Average $60/hour
$66
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $138,092 $11,508 $2,656 $66
Average $125,621 $10,468 $2,416 $60
25th Percentile $114,927 $9,577 $2,210 $55

Geologist Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Geologist Manager

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Geologist Manager, 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
VP of Geology $276,716 120%
Molecular Biology Senior Manager $143,984 15%
Physicist Senior Manager $197,577 57%

Most common benefits for Geologist Manager

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

Common company salaries for Geologist Manager

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

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FAQ about Geologist Manager

1. Where can a Geologist Manager earn the most?

A Geologist Manager'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 Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Geologist Manager is $158,446.

2. What is the highest pay for Geologist Manager?

The highest pay for Geologist Manager is $149,446.

3. What is the lowest pay for Geologist Manager?

The lowest pay for Geologist Manager is $105,191.

4. What are the responsibilities of Geologist Manager?

Manages geological activities and research for an organization. Delegates workflow to collect rock, soil, and mineral samples and acts as the lead geologist on the site. 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. Reviews technical reports and geological maps to recommend the best methods for extraction. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Geologist Manager roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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