Environmental Geologist/Scientist Salary in the United States

How much does an Environmental Geologist/Scientist make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Geologist/Scientist in the United States is $51,579 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, an Environmental Geologist/Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $60,342
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,033 to $56,166
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,985
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View as table View as graph 25% $46,033 10% $40,985 90% $60,342 75% $56,166 $51,579 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Environmental Geologist/Scientist Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $56,166 $4,680 $1,080 $27
Average $51,579 $4,298 $992 $25
25th Percentile $46,033 $3,836 $885 $22
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Key Factors That Influence Environmental Geologist/Scientist Salaries

An Environmental Geologist/Scientist'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 Environmental Geologist/Scientist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Environmental Geologist/Scientist'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $51,241
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $67,652
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $84,100
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $107,284
  • Expert (over 8 years): $128,817
Levels Salary
Environme... Level Environmental Geologist/Scientist$51,241
Geologist... Level Environmental Geologist/Scientist$67,652
Geologist... Level Environmental Geologist/Scientist$84,100
Geologist... Level Environmental Geologist/Scientist$107,284
Geologist... Level Environmental Geologist/Scientist$128,817
$51,241 0 yr
$67,652 < 2 yrs
$84,100 2-4 yrs
$107,284 5-8 yrs
$128,817 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Environmental Geologist/Scientist 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 Environmental Geologist/Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $57,108.
  • California: $56,891.
  • Massachusetts: $56,133.

Top Paying Cities for Environmental Geologist/Scientists

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: $65,056
  • San Francisco: $64,344
  • Oakland: $62,988

What Skills Can Increase an Environmental Geologist/Scientist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.89% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Python (Mentioned in 2.35% Job Postings): Applying the concepts and algorithms of Python to design, develop and maintain software applications to comply with business requirements.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 1.67% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.89%
Python 2.35%
Computer Science 1.67%
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 an Environmental Geologist/Scientist's salary.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Troubleshooting: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Commitment
$64,473
25%
Project Management
$59,315
15%
Troubleshooting
$57,768
12%
Integrity
$57,252
11%
Environmental Consulting
$56,736
10%
Flexibility
$56,736
10%
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Environmental Geologist/Scientist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Environmental Geologist/Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Environmental Geologist/Scientist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Environmental Geologist/Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Environmental Geologist/Scientist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$77,368$37.050%
Business Services$61,894$30.020%

How Education impacts an Environmental Geologist/Scientist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Environmental Geologist/Scientists 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 an Environmental Geologist/Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $51,064 and $52,811).

Environmental Geologist/Scientist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Environmental Geologist/Scientist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.4%
High School 2.4%
Associates 1.7%
Bachelors 59.0%
Masters 33.1%
Doctorate 3.8%
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Environmental Geologist/Scientist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Environmental Geologist/Scientist'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, 2026

Salary Trends for Environmental Geologist/Scientist

Salaries for an Environmental Geologist/Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $80,984 in 2023 to around $74,681 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Environmental Geologist/Scientist salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Environmental Geologist/Scientist Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$80,984
2024
$76,747
2025
$74,681
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $80,984
2024 $76,747
2025 $74,681
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Environmental Geologist/Scientist

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Environmental Geologist/Scientist

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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.)

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