How Much Does a Professional Geologist make?

Professional Geologist made a median salary around $78,436 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $91,687 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $73,244. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Professional Geologist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Professional Geologist profession are Marion , West Memphis , Proctor , Edmondson , Clarkedale .
Marion, AR $81,328
West Memphis, AR $81,328
Proctor, AR $81,206
Edmondson, AR $81,128
Clarkedale, AR $81,084

Best-Paying States for Professional Geologist

The states and districts that pay Professional Geologist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $96,131) , California (around $95,766) , Massachusetts (around $94,490) , Washington (around $94,143) , and New Jersey (around $94,108) .
District of Columbia $96,131
California $95,766
Massachusetts $94,490
Washington $94,143
New Jersey $94,108

What is the Career Path of Professional Geologist?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Professional Geologist, the first career path typically starts with a Petroleum Geologist IV position , and then progresses to Exploration Manager.

The second career path typically starts with a Geologist IV position , and then progresses to Geologist V.

Additionally, the third career path typically starts with a Geophysicist IV position , and then progresses to Geophysicist V.

Besides, Professional Geologist can also turn to other related jobs, including Geologist , Geologist I , Geologist II and Geologist III .

Frequently Asked Questions for Professional Geologist

Q: What is the salary range of Professional Geologist in Arkansas?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Professional Geologist in Arkansas earned an average annual salary of $73,244 , while the highest-paid made $91,687.
Q: What is the salary for a Professional Geologist in California?
A: Professional Geologist employed in California earned an average salary of $95,766 in 2025.

Average Professional Geologist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Professional Geologist earned an average salary of $78,436 in 2025. Other jobs related to Professional Geologist earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Geologist made $62,485 , Geologist I made $47,088 , Geologist II and Geologist III made $61,938 and $77,105 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Professional Geologist

Geologist - Average Salary $62,485
There is currently no job description for Geologist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Geologist.
Geologist I - Average Salary $47,088
Researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed.
Geologist II - Average Salary $61,938
Researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work.
Geologist III - Average Salary $77,105
Researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature.
Geologist IV - Average Salary $93,960
Researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group.