How much do Geologists make and which discipline makes the most?

Question

I heard that oceanographers make less than most, but how much do geologists generally make.

Answer 1

Unless they work for the government on some type of fixed salary, geologists can make anywhere from a few tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. It depends mostly on their capability, experience, and dedication to their career.

I personally know a geologist who co-discovered North America's first diamond mine in Canada. He and his partner were working for themselves essentially as prospectors with no pay. Against all odds, they made a huge discovery and sold their property to a big mining company for millions of dollars in cash, and kept a 10% profits interest each. Now the mine makes in excess of $1 million per day in profit, so the geologists each make $100,000 per day in royalties!

Now that is an extreme case, but most skilled geologists can expect to make anywhere from $70,000 to $250,000 per year, depending on their experience and industry.

Answer 2

salaries for geologists are going up like crazy right now. In the petrol/gas exploration field the starting salaries can be around 75,000, and they usually only go up from there. geology is my major and my instructors are telling me that its only going to go up. one of the main reasons is because oil is so expensive. i don't know about any other discipline but i do know that this one is probably one of the highest paid.

Answer 3

geologist can earn the most when they discover a strike of potential mineral for mining.

the more they got if it is diamond or gold or . . .

Answer 4

That depends on several factors such as experience, demand, state of the market and so on. The U.S. Department of Labor may have your answer?