ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Geologist Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$173,078/yr
Typical range: $157,997 – $190,768
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Geologist salary by experience level in Boston
Geologist Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $83,334 | $6,945 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $105,129 | $8,761 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $120,514 | $10,043 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $137,180 | $11,432 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $173,078 | $14,423 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $200,771 | $16,731 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $207,694 | $17,308 | +149% |
Current Salary
$173,078
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $83/hr
Next Level Target
$200,771
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Geologist salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Geologists in Boston, MA earn approximately $173K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $173K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $83/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Geologist in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Geologist in Boston, MA earns $158K–$191K/yr.