Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians salary by state
What Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicianss do
Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingTime ManagementMonitoringJudgment and Decision Making
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians pay by experience level
Entry level$37,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$46,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$55,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$74,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$103,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+1.5%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
1,300
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
3,740 workers
$61,000
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
3,080 workers
$59,000
Support Activities for Mining
1,390 workers
$49,000
Support Activities for Mining
1,390 workers
$49,000
Mining (except Oil and Gas)
490 workers
$73,000
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
400 workers
$73,000
Oil and Gas Extraction
390 workers
$108,000
Oil and Gas Extraction
390 workers
$108,000
Metal Ore Mining
360 workers
$74,000
Scientific Research and Development Services
190 workers
$63,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians pays 36% below the average across 66 roles in the Life, Physical, and Social Science job family (family average $100,500).
Similar-paying roles in Life, Physical, and Social Science
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians make?
The average base salary for a Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians in the United States is $64,000 per year, or about $30.77 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $46,500 and $74,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Life, Physical, and Social Science roles?
The Life, Physical, and Social Science job family averages $100,500 across 66 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
