Geologists perform surveys of the earth to spot valuable resources.
Geologists gather data by investigating the layers of rock, soil and water that make up the earth. This data can then be used to detect resources like minerals and oil, or to determine the best way to disturb the soil without damaging the local environment. Many geologists work for government agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey or similar surveys at the state level. Others perform these investigations, or surveys, for private industries.
State Geology Survey Salaries
According to the California State University at San Bernardino, salaries for geologists employed by state surveys can vary widely based on their level of education. State survey geologists with a Bachelor of Science degree earn an average of $40,800 per year, while those with a Master's degree earn $43,500. Candidates with a Ph.D. earn an average of $61,900.
Survey geologists employed by state government agencies in the U.S. earn an average of $30.23 per hour, or $62,880 per year. These figures apply to employees of all levels of education and experience, which suggests that many employees in this field hold some form of advanced degree.
Federal Geology Survey Salaries
Geologists employed by the U.S. Geological Survey and other federal agencies earn a median salary of $90,220 or a mean of $94,085 as of May 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The government's USAJOBS.com employment site shows several geologist positions with the U.S. Geological Survey as of June 2011. These positions pay a base salary of GS-1350 on the federal pay scale, which indicates a wage of $81,230. This base wage does not include regional compensation that is generally added to this figure in areas with a high cost of living.
Survey Geologists in Private Industry
The title of survey geologist may also be used to refer to geologists in private industry, who perform surveying-type work as they analyze sites of interest. California State University at San Bernardino estimates that geologists with a Bachelor's degree earn an average of $43,700 in private industry, while those employed in the petroleum industry earn $52,200. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, oil and gas industry geologists earn an average of $63.56 per hour, or $132,210 per year. These high wages reflect the fact that the majority of employees in this field hold some form of graduate-level degree.
Average Wages for This Profession
As of May 2010, the mean wage for all geologists was $44.89 per hour or $93,380 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median wage was $39.66, or $82,500. Oklahoma, Texas and Alaska represent the top-paying states for geologists.
Tags: earn average, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, degree earn, Geological Survey, hour year
