As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Development Geologist in the United States is $116,646 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Development Geologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Development Geologist'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 Development Geologist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Development Geologist | $115,045 |
| Intermediate Level Development Geologist | $115,234 |
| Senior Level Development Geologist | $117,669 |
| Specialist Level Development Geologist | $120,758 |
| Expert Level Development Geologist | $120,979 |
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 Development Geologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Collaboration | 6.61% |
| Psychiatric | 2.79% |
| Wound Care | 2.05% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting
|
$122,478 |
5%
|
|
Collaborating
|
$120,145 |
3%
|
|
Medical Services
|
$120,145 |
3%
|
|
Insight
|
$117,812 |
1%
|
|
Palliative Care
|
$117,812 |
1%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$117,812 |
1%
|
For Development Geologist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Development Geologist positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Development Geologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $134,143 | $64.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Development Geologists enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Development Geologist with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $136,259 and $142,517).
Development Geologist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.6% |
| High School | 11.1% |
| Associates | 22.2% |
| Bachelors | 22.2% |
| Masters | 50.0% |
| Doctorate | 11.1% |
Understanding how a Development Geologist'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, 2026Salaries for a Development Geologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $225,799 in 2023 to around $220,734 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Development Geologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $225,799 |
| 2024 | $231,162 |
| 2025 | $220,734 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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