ScienceUpdated Q1 2026

Geologist Salary
in Mesa, AZ

Study the Earth's materials, structure, and processes to understand its history and resources. Median salary in Mesa: $84K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$84K
per year
Take-home: $57K

Salary range in Mesa

Entry level (25th)$60,000
Median (50th)$84,000
Senior (75th)$113,000
Top earner (90th)$149,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Mesa, Arizona. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Mesa

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

5% discount vs national median

Geologists in Mesa earn approximately 5% lower than the US national median for this role β€” a $4,000 discount on annual base salary. Mesa's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 98 (US avg = 100).

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Mesa's cost-of-living index (98), the median Geologist salary buys the equivalent of $85,714 in a US-average-cost city. That's $2,286 less purchasing power than the national median β€” the higher nominal salary doesn't fully offset local costs.

Rent eats 29% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Mesa ($1,400/mo) consumes approximately 29% of an after-tax median Geologist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($113K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Mesa

Median salary
$84K
annual
Take-home pay
$57K
after fed/state tax
COL index
98
100 = US avg
State income tax
2.5%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,400
per month
YoY growth
+3.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Mesa Geologist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $84K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Mesa

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Geologist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$70K$76K$83K$89K$95K201920212023202520272029
2026
$86K
projected
2027
$88K
projected
2028
$90K
projected
2029
$93K
projected
2030
$95K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$84,000+$0
2028 projected$84,000+$0
2029 projected$84,000+$0
2030 projected$84,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Geologist Salary in Mesa, Arizona: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Geologist salary in Mesa, AZ is $84,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Mesa–AZ metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Geologist in Mesa

Entry-level Geologists in Mesa with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $60,000 and $84,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $84,000 to $113,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $113,000 to $149,000 or more.

Cost of living in Mesa for Geologists

Mesa has a cost of living index of 98 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 2% further in Mesa than the national average. Arizona has a 2.5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Geologist

Bachelor's or Master's in Geology. 20% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Geologist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Mesa (current)$84K98
Phoenix$88K100
Tucson$81K90
Chandler$90K105
Scottsdale$92K118
Glendale$84K95