ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Geologist Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$143,320/yr
Typical range: $130,832 – $157,969
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Geologist salary by experience level in Austin
Geologist Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $69,006 | $5,751 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $87,054 | $7,255 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $99,793 | $8,316 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $113,594 | $9,466 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $143,320 | $11,943 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $166,251 | $13,854 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $171,984 | $14,332 | +149% |
Current Salary
$143,320
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $69/hr
Next Level Target
$166,251
Principal · 14
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Geologist salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Geologists in Austin, TX earn approximately $143K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Geologist make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $143K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $69/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Geologist in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Geologist in Austin, TX earns $131K–$158K/yr.