ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Geologist Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$183,383/yr
Typical range: $167,404 – $202,126
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Geologist salary by experience level in Seattle
Geologist Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $88,295 | $7,358 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $111,388 | $9,282 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $127,689 | $10,641 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $145,348 | $12,112 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $183,383 | $15,282 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $212,724 | $17,727 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $220,059 | $18,338 | +149% |
Current Salary
$183,383
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $88/hr
Next Level Target
$212,724
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Geologists in Seattle, WA earn approximately $183K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $183K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $88/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Geologist in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Geologist in Seattle, WA earns $167K–$202K/yr.