Environmental Scientist vs Geologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Environmental Scientist
Study environmental issues and develop solutions to protect ecosystems.
Geologist
Study earth processes and materials to support resource extraction and hazard assessment.
Geologist earns more on average — the national median is $9,218/year (14%) higher than a Environmental Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Environmental Scientist vs Geologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Environmental Scientist | Geologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $93,981 | $109,802 | Environmental $15,821 |
| New York, NY | $79,495 | $90,418 | Environmental $10,923 |
| Seattle, WA | $96,917 | $110,514 | Environmental $13,597 |
| Austin, TX | $72,941 | $85,898 | Environmental $12,957 |
| Chicago, IL | $69,521 | $78,784 | Environmental $9,263 |
| Boston, MA | $87,770 | $97,102 | Environmental $9,332 |
| London, UK | £51,309 | £58,630 | Environmental $7,321 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$89,843 | CA$101,286 | Environmental $11,443 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Environmental Scientist or Geologist earn more?+
A Geologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Environmental Scientist is $66,375/year, compared to $75,593/year for a Geologist — a difference of $9,218 (14%).
Which has better career growth — Environmental Scientist or Geologist?+
Environmental Scientist roles are growing at 7% YoY while Geologist demand is growing at 5% YoY. Environmental Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Environmental Scientist to Geologist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: GIS.
Which is harder to automate — Environmental Scientist or Geologist?+
Geologist has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.