How Much Does a Professional Geologist make?

Professional Geologist made a median salary around $82,713 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $96,683 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $77,236. 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.
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Best-Paying Cities for Professional Geologist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Professional Geologist profession are Kansas City , Riverside , Saint Louis , Independence , Saint Ann .
Kansas City, MO $84,969
Riverside, MO $84,969
Saint Louis, MO $84,969
Independence, MO $84,883
Saint Ann, MO $84,883

Best-Paying States for Professional Geologist

The states and districts that pay Professional Geologist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $96,599) , California (around $95,732) , New Jersey (around $95,124) , Alaska (around $94,516) , and Massachusetts (around $94,430) .
District of Columbia $96,599
California $95,732
New Jersey $95,124
Alaska $94,516
Massachusetts $94,430

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 Missouri?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Professional Geologist in Missouri earned an average annual salary of $77,236 , while the highest-paid made $96,683.
Q: What is the salary for a Professional Geologist in California?
A: Professional Geologist employed in California earned an average salary of $95,732 in 2025.

Average Professional Geologist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Professional Geologist earned an average salary of $82,713 in 2025. Other jobs related to Professional Geologist earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Geologist made $65,943 , Geologist I made $49,936 , Geologist II and Geologist III made $64,595 and $81,686 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Professional Geologist

Geologist - Average Salary $65,943
There is currently no job description for Geologist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Geologist.
Geologist I - Average Salary $49,936
Geologist I researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Being a Geologist I studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Additionally, Geologist I tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Geologist I 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 $64,595
Geologist II researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Being a Geologist II studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Additionally, Geologist II tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Geologist II 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 $81,686
Geologist III researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Being a Geologist III studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Additionally, Geologist III tests mineral quality and purity to determine feasibility of mining. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Geologist III 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 $97,904
Geologist IV researches the formation, dissolution, and content of rock layers. Researches the effects of internal pressures, heat, water, pollution, and erosion. Being a Geologist IV studies variations in rock formations and densities to identify new mineral deposits. Estimates depth, quality and vastness of deposits. Additionally, Geologist IV 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. To be a Geologist IV 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.