Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · 23K employed in the U.S.
Median annual
$101,920
Median hourly
$49
Average annual
$116,150
Typical range
$59,330–$200,230
Pay distribution
10th to 90th percentile, with the median marked.
What this role pays
The median annual salary for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers is $101,920 as of May 2025, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. That works out to about $49 an hour at a full-time schedule.
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems.
Most earn between $59,330 and $200,230 a year. There are roughly 23K people employed as geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in the United States. Use the state and metro pages below to see how pay changes by location, and the calculator to convert any hourly or annual figure.
Salary calculator
Convert your pay and see where it lands for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers.
- Hourly
- $49.00
- Daily
- $392
- Weekly
- $1,960
- Bi-weekly
- $3,920
- Monthly
- $8,493
- Annual
- $101,920
$101,920 a year is around the 50th percentile for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss. The median is $101,920.
Highest-paying states
Median annual wage by state.
- 1Texas$145,220
- 2Rhode Island$121,010
- 3Oklahoma$119,990
- 4Colorado$114,410
- 5Mississippi$112,400
- 6Maryland$110,510
- 7Massachusetts$108,210
- 8Alaska$107,410
- 9California$106,500
- 10Hawaii$106,270
- 11Washington$105,020
- 12New Hampshire$101,150
Top-paying metro areas
Median annual wage by metro area.
- 1Midland, TX$219,140
- 2Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX$174,490
- 3Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL$154,390
- 4Lubbock, TX$140,660
- 5San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$136,120
- 6Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA$136,120
- 7Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA$132,790
- 8Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX$132,780
- 9Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV$132,620
- 10Odessa, TX$129,730
- 11New Orleans-Metairie, LA$125,570
- 12San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA$122,310
Related job titles
Employers advertise Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers roles under these titles.
Related occupations
- Hydrologists$96,600
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$82,220
- Conservation Scientists$73,010
- Soil and Plant Scientists$78,850
- Biological Scientists, All Other$98,920
- Geographers$102,040
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers$106,220
- Data Scientists$120,230
What a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers does
- 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.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
- Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
- Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers make?
- The median annual wage for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers is $101,920 ($49 per hour). Pay ranges from about $59,330 at the 10th percentile to $200,230 at the 90th percentile.
- What is the average salary for a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers?
- The average (mean) annual salary is $116,150, which is higher than the median because a small number of high earners pull the average up.
- Which state pays Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss the most?
- Texas has the highest median annual wage for this occupation at $145,220.
- Is Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers a growing occupation?
- BLS employment data for May 2025 counts about 23K people in this occupation. Projected growth is published separately in the BLS Employment Projections program.
- What does a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers do?
- 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..