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.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary by state
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
About this role
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers is a professional role within the function in the Life, Physical, and Social Science job family.
Typical entry preparation: Master's Degree and 2 to 5 years of related work experience, per O*NET occupational data. Advancement typically requires additional years in role.
What Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss do
Typical education: Master's Degree
Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionSpeakingScienceCritical ThinkingWritingJudgment and Decision Making
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers pay by experience level
Entry level$61,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$77,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$105,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$144,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$207,000
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
+3.2%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
2,000
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
11,620 workers
$103,500
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
6,920 workers
$100,000
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
4,470 workers
$112,000
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
3,470 workers
$106,500
Oil and Gas Extraction
2,780 workers
$205,000
Oil and Gas Extraction
2,780 workers
$205,000
State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
2,200 workers
$98,000
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
2,080 workers
$127,500
Educational Services
1,300 workers
$103,500
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
1,290 workers
$103,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Exempt · Professional, Administrative, or Executive exemption
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Exempt when paid above the salary threshold, provided they satisfy the duties test for one of the FLSA exemption categories. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
How this role compares
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers pays 20% above 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 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers make?
The average base salary for a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in the United States is $120,500 per year, or about $57.93 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $77,500 and $144,500 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.
Need Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
