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Best States for Geoscientists: Highest-paid Geoscientists by State

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    Carter A
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Geoscientists study the Earth's processes, materials, and history to understand natural phenomena and address environmental challenges.

This article will explore the best states for geoscientists, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid geoscientists are in Texas, where they earn an average of $145,600 per year.
  • The lowest-paid geoscientists are in Michigan, where they earn an average of $-1 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for geoscientists is $86,165 per year.

1. Texas ($145,600)

Texas Geoscientists in Texas earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for geoscientists in Texas is $145,600, which is +69% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$145,600
10th Percentile$57,210
25th Percentile$75,970
75th Percentile$211,370
90th Percentile$-3

2. District of Columbia ($133,950)

District of Columbia Geoscientists in District of Columbia earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for geoscientists in District of Columbia is $133,950, which is +55% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$133,950
10th Percentile$89,810
25th Percentile$106,810
75th Percentile$164,090
90th Percentile$193,630

3. Oklahoma ($131,800)

Oklahoma Geoscientists in Oklahoma earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for geoscientists in Oklahoma is $131,800, which is +53% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$131,800
10th Percentile$70,320
25th Percentile$87,200
75th Percentile$164,990
90th Percentile$172,820

4. Colorado ($118,600)

Colorado Geoscientists in Colorado earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for geoscientists in Colorado is $118,600, which is +38% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$118,600
10th Percentile$49,610
25th Percentile$74,160
75th Percentile$168,020
90th Percentile$168,020

5. Alaska ($109,920)

Alaska Geoscientists in Alaska earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for geoscientists in Alaska is $109,920, which is +28% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$109,920
10th Percentile$59,730
25th Percentile$79,050
75th Percentile$127,840
90th Percentile$165,350

6. Massachusetts ($106,590)

Massachusetts Geoscientists in Massachusetts earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for geoscientists in Massachusetts is $106,590, which is +24% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$106,590
10th Percentile$62,600
25th Percentile$70,800
75th Percentile$137,340
90th Percentile$160,160

7. Utah ($102,920)

Utah Geoscientists in Utah earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for geoscientists in Utah is $102,920, which is +19% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$102,920
10th Percentile$66,640
25th Percentile$79,840
75th Percentile$126,280
90th Percentile$136,030

8. Washington ($101,340)

Washington Geoscientists in Washington earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for geoscientists in Washington is $101,340, which is +18% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$101,340
10th Percentile$63,470
25th Percentile$71,030
75th Percentile$124,370
90th Percentile$159,180

9. North Dakota ($100,090)

North Dakota Geoscientists in North Dakota earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for geoscientists in North Dakota is $100,090, which is +16% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$100,090
10th Percentile$71,080
25th Percentile$81,640
75th Percentile$113,900
90th Percentile$133,140

10. California ($98,440)

California Geoscientists in California earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for geoscientists in California is $98,440, which is +14% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$98,440
10th Percentile$40,170
25th Percentile$57,540
75th Percentile$130,540
90th Percentile$164,590

Conclusion

The highest-paid geoscientists are in Texas, where they earn an average of $145,600 per year. The lowest-paid geoscientists are in Michigan, where they earn an average of $-1 per year. The U.S. average salary for geoscientists is $86,165 per year and there are 24,916 jobs in the field.