Geoscientist Salary in the United States
Based on 23K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$90,668
$43.59/hr
Salary Range
$60K – $145K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
23K
workers nationwide
The Geoscientist salary in the United States offers a median annual income of $90,668, equating to approximately $44 per hour. This figure falls within a broad salary range, typically from $60,450 for entry-level or less experienced geoscientists up to $145,271 for those with extensive expertise and specialized skills.
Several factors influence a geoscientist's earning potential. Experience level, specific industry (such as oil and gas, environmental consulting, or government), educational background, and geographical location all play significant roles. For instance, the top-paying state for geoscientists is Texas, with an average salary of $145,220, highlighting the impact of regional demand and economic conditions on compensation.
Salary Distribution — Geoscientist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,450 |
| 25th percentile | $71,556 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $90,668 |
| 75th percentile | $116,599 |
| 90th percentile | $145,271 |
Geoscientist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Geoscientist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | $145,220 | +60.2% | 5K |
| 2 | Rhode Island | $121,010 | +33.5% | — |
| 3 | Oklahoma | $119,990 | +32.3% | 770 |
| 4 | Colorado | $114,410 | +26.2% | 1K |
| 5 | Mississippi | $112,400 | +24.0% | 250 |
| 6 | Maryland | $110,510 | +21.9% | 390 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $108,210 | +19.3% | 420 |
| 8 | Alaska | $107,410 | +18.5% | 430 |
| 9 | California | $106,500 | +17.5% | 3K |
| 10 | Hawaii | $106,270 | +17.2% | 110 |
Geoscientist Salary by Industry
How much Geoscientists earn across industries nationwide — Management of Companies and Enterprises pays the most ($168,680 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $168,680 | +86.0% | 910 |
| 2 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $158,590 | +74.9% | 4K |
| 3 | Utilities | $133,170 | +46.9% | 120 |
| 4 | Manufacturing | $131,040 | +44.5% | 110 |
| 5 | Transportation and Warehousing | $122,390 | +35.0% | 30 |
| 6 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,200 | +16.0% | 4K |
| 7 | Wholesale Trade | $98,050 | +8.1% | 30 |
| 8 | Educational Services | $88,270 | -2.6% | 1K |
| 9 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $87,740 | -3.2% | 12K |
| 10 | Administrative and Support Services | $83,330 | -8.1% | 370 |
| 11 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $66,200 | -27.0% | 40 |
| 12 | Construction | $54,210 | -40.2% | 70 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Geoscientist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Geoscientist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University Of Texas At Austin | $76,128 | 13 |
| 2 | Battelle Memorial Institute | $121,643 | 4 |
| 3 | Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory | $106,956 | 3 |
| 4 | Schlumberger Technology | $124,982 | 3 |
| 5 | Texas A&M University | $61,922 | 3 |
| 6 | University Of Colorado | $109,424 | 3 |
Historical Salary Trend — Geoscientist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $90,668 |
| 2026 (projected) | $93,388 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Geoscientist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $71,556 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $90,668 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $116,599 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $145,271 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Geoscientist in the US?
- The median Geoscientist salary in the United States is $90,668 per year. This means half of all geoscientists earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How much can a Geoscientist expect to earn in Texas?
- Geoscientists in Texas earn significantly above the national median, with an average annual salary of $145,220. This reflects high demand for geological expertise in the state.
What is the typical salary range for Geoscientists?
- The typical salary range for a Geoscientist in the US spans from $60,450 on the lower end to $145,271 on the higher end. This wide range accounts for variations in experience and specialization.
Is the number of employed Geoscientists high?
- There are 23,150 geoscientists employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial field with consistent demand for geological professionals.