A geologist salary is typically negotiated during the hiring process and is determined by a number of factors, including level of expertise, expected duties, competition, and the current economic climate. A geologist is a scientist who studies the materials that make up the planet Earth and other planets in our solar system. Government agencies, post-secondary educational institutions, research institutes, and mining companies all employ geologists.
Candidates must earn a graduate degree in geology from an accredited university in order to work as a geologist. This level of training requires a minimum of seven years of full-time post-secondary education. Many geologists pursue doctoral degrees, which require an additional four to five years of study.
The level of expertise has the greatest impact on a geologist’s salary. Expertise in this field is a combination of academic credentials and practical experience. Academic credentials are straightforward to assess, and pay scales vary depending on the level of education attained. In terms of salary, there is no distinction between schools at the graduate level. A candidate with a master’s degree from a community college, for example, will be paid the same as a candidate with a master’s degree from Yale University®.
A geologist’s expected responsibilities vary greatly, and this has a direct impact on a geologist’s salary. A geologist’s work can be divided into three categories: teaching, research, and field work. Teaching positions pay more at first, but increase at a slower rate over time. Salaries for research positions differ significantly depending on the institute, the rate of publication, and the granting agency. Many research institutes require a teaching component as part of the job description. The highest-paying job for a geologist is field work, but it requires long hours, extensive travel, and a high level of risk.
As is the case in academic or research positions, competition has a significant impact on a geologist’s salary. The lower the salary, the larger the pool of applicants for a position. For prestigious or high-profile opportunities, this combination is frequently found. Because the employer needs to attract quality candidates and keep them employed to complete the work, a position in a remote location with minimal interest will typically pay more.
The state of the economy has a significant impact on geologists’ pay. During a recession, the amount of money available to government agencies decreases. Long-term research projects will typically receive funding, but new projects will be postponed.