ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years

Entry Level Geologist Salary in Los Angeles

2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.

$64,604/yr

Typical range: $66,796 $80,650

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Geologist Salary Progression in Los Angeles

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$64,604$5,384
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$81,501$6,792+26%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$93,428$7,786+45%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$106,348$8,862+65%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$134,178$11,182+108%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$155,646$12,971+141%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$161,013$13,418+149%
Current Salary
$64,604
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $31/hr
Next Level Target
$81,501
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry level Geologist salary in Los Angeles, CA?

Entry Level Geologists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $65K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a entry level Geologist make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?

Based on $65K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $31/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from entry level to senior Geologist in Los Angeles, CA?

The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Geologist in Los Angeles, CA earns $122K–$148K/yr.