Geologists study rock formations and other geologic phenomena.
Geologists use their scientific training to study the composition and nature of the Earth. These scientists can be found studying various phenomena, ranging from rock strata to hydrologic processes while working for varying salaries for universities, government agencies and private companies.
National Averages
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were about 31,860 geologists working in the United States in 2009, earning an average income of $44.57 per hour or about $92,710 per year. The median 50 percent of geologists made an average of about $39.05 per hour or $81,220 per year. Geologists in the lowest 10th percentile of earners made about $20.74 per hour or $43,140 per year, while those in the upper 10th percentile made an average of $77.53 per hour or $161,260 per year.
Most Common Industries
The industry sector that employed the highest number of geologists in 2009 was the architectural, engineering and related services sector with about 6,980 geologists. These workers earned an average salary of about $36.64 per hour or $76,220 per year. The industry with the second-highest number of geologists, oil and gas extractions, paid a significantly higher salary to its employees of $65.52 per hour or $136,270 per year.
Highest-Paying Industries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the approximately 80 geologists employed in the petroleum and petroleum products merchant wholesalers sector had the highest average salaries out of any industry in 2009, earning an average of $67.18 per hour or $139,740 per year. The oil and gas extraction sector was second, while the management of companies and enterprises sector was third, paying an average wage of $62.79 per hour or $130,590 per year.
Geographic Differences
The five states with the highest average salaries for geologists in 2009 were: Texas, the District of Columbia, Alaska, Colorado and Oklahoma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Texas geologists had an average salary of $61.18 per hour or about $127,250 per year, while those in the District of Columbia earned an average wage of $51.52 per hour or $107,160 per year. The city with the highest average wages for geologists in 2009 was Midland, Texas, where these workers earned an average of $68.39 per hour or $142,250 per year.
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