Home / City Job Salaries / Geological Engineer in Los Angeles

Geological Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, CA

How much does a geological engineer make in Los Angeles? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living.

Median Salary
$142,520
per year in Los Angeles
Entry Level
$86,375
Starting salary
Senior Level
$195,785
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
166
66% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how geological engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Los Angeles.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$86,375$142,520$195,785
Monthly$7,198$11,877$16,315
Biweekly$3,322$5,482$7,530
Weekly$1,661$2,741$3,765
Hourly$42$69$94

Los Angeles vs National Average

How Los Angeles's geological engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Los Angeles Salary
$142,520
COL Index: 166
National Average
$147,420
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$4,900
Lower in Los Angeles

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,500
per month
Median Income
$65,290
per year
Population
3,979,576
residents
Rent % of Income
45.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 166 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Los Angeles have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Geological Engineer

Overview

Apply geology to engineering projects including mining and construction.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geological Engineering or Geology

Key Skills

Geological AnalysisSoil MechanicsGeotechnical DesignField Work

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Geological Engineer Salary

See Geological Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$344,594
+142%
Chicago, IL
$173,366
+22%
Houston, TX
$101,020
-29%
Phoenix, AZ
$110,540
-22%
Philadelphia, PA
$158,255
+11%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a geological engineer salary in Los Angeles.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Los Angeles.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Los Angeles.

Geological Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a geological engineer in Los Angeles, CA is $142,520 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Los Angeles's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level geological engineer professionals in Los Angeles can expect to earn around $86,375 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level geological engineers earning approximately $195,785 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Los Angeles's cost of living index of 166 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Los Angeles are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $147,420, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a geological engineer's salary in Los Angeles typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,500 per month, housing represents about 21.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Geological Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Los Angeles, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.