ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Geologist Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$181,050/yr
Typical range: $165,275 – $199,555
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Geologist salary by experience level in New York
Geologist Salary Progression in New York
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 | $87,172 | $7,264 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $109,971 | $9,164 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $126,064 | $10,505 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $143,499 | $11,958 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $181,050 | $15,088 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $210,018 | $17,502 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $217,260 | $18,105 | +149% |
Current Salary
$181,050
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $87/hr
Next Level Target
$210,018
Principal · 14
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Geologist salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Geologists in New York, NY earn approximately $181K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $181K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $87/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Geologist in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Geologist in New York, NY earns $165K–$200K/yr.