Geoscientist Salary Guide 2025: $101,920 Median Pay and Career Outlook
The median geoscientist earns $101,920 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to about $49 an hour. The middle 80% bring home between $59,330 and $200,230 — a wide range driven by industry, experience, and location. With only 23,470 geoscientists employed nationally, it's a relatively small field, but steady demand is expected: the BLS projects 3.2% growth from 2024 to 2034, creating about 2,000 openings annually.
How much Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers earn
The national median salary for geoscientists is $101,920, with a mean wage of $116,150. The bottom 10% earn around $59,330, while the top 10% surpass $200,230. Pay depends heavily on industry: oil and gas extraction tends to pay top dollar, while government or environmental consulting may pay less.
Pay by state
Texas leads with a mean annual wage of $145,220, followed by Rhode Island ($121,010), Oklahoma ($119,990), Colorado ($114,410), and Mississippi ($112,400). On the lower end, Indiana averages $68,240, Arkansas $67,880, and Connecticut $61,810. If you're chasing the highest pay, Texas and the energy sector are your best bet.
How to become Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographer
A bachelor's degree in geoscience, geology, earth science, or a related field is the minimum entry requirement. Many positions — especially in research or management — prefer a master's degree. Licensing is mandatory in some states for work that affects public safety; the typical license is the Professional Geologist (PG) credential, which requires a degree, experience, and passing an exam. Fieldwork is common early in your career.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in geoscience, geology, or earth science.
- Consider a master's for higher-level roles.
- Gain field mapping or lab experience through internships or entry-level work.
- Obtain Professional Geologist (PG) licensure if required by your state.
- Stay current with continuing education for licensing renewal.
Job outlook
The BLS projects 3.2% employment growth for geoscientists from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 2,000 openings per year, many from retirements. Demand is tied to energy exploration, environmental regulation, and infrastructure. Oil and gas markets significantly influence hiring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary range for geoscientists?
The 10th to 90th percentile range is $59,330 to $200,230. Median is $101,920.
Which states pay geoscientists the most?
Texas ($145,220), Rhode Island ($121,010), Oklahoma ($119,990), Colorado ($114,410), and Mississippi ($112,400) have the highest mean wages.
How many geoscientists are employed, and what is job growth?
There are 23,470 geoscientists. Employment is projected to grow 3.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,000 job openings annually.
What education do I need to become a geoscientist?
A bachelor's degree in geoscience or a related field is the minimum. Many jobs prefer a master's. Some states require a Professional Geologist (PG) license.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers data.