Geological Technician salary
From 21 certified H-1B filings (FY2025–FY2026). Base salary only.
- Occupation code 19-4043: Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
At a glance
- Median up 29% since FY2020. From $57,996 in FY2020 to $74,838 in FY2026 (Q1–Q3). Nominal, not adjusted for inflation.
Geological Technician H-1B salary overview
Employers filed 21 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications for Geological Technician jobs in FY2025–FY2026 (occupation code 19-4043, Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians). The median base salary is $77,000, 37% below the median for all H-1B filings ($122,699), and half of the filings fall between $70,013 and $80,340.
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Percentiles from certified H-1B filings, base salary only. Metro areas with at least 10 filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Level I · Entry | – | 0 |
| Level II · Qualified | – | 0 |
| Level III · Experienced | – | 0 |
| Level IV · Fully competent | – | 0 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
What a Geological Technician does
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Typical tasks
- Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
- Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
- Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.
- Prepare notes, sketches, geological maps, or cross-sections.
- Participate in geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrographic, or oceanographic surveys, prospecting field trips, exploratory drilling, well logging, or underground mine survey programs.
- Prepare or review professional, technical, or other reports regarding sampling, testing, or recommendations of data analysis.
Preparation
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET occupation: Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians (19-4043.00). This section includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
H-1B pay vs. all U.S. workers
Across all U.S. workers in this occupation (Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians), the median annual wage was $53,350 in May 2025, with 6,980 people employed. The median H-1B base salary in FY2025–FY2026 is $77,000, 44% higher.
| H-1B filings | All U.S. workers (BLS, May 2025) | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,000 | $35,770 |
| 25th percentile | $70,013 | $44,850 |
| Median | $77,000 | $53,350 |
| 75th percentile | $80,340 | $72,110 |
| 90th percentile | $93,300 | $99,560 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). BLS wages cover all wage and salary workers and include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are the base salary offered on certified LCAs. The two sources cover different periods. BLS reports wages of $239,200 or more as a single top value.
Salary details
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $65,000 |
| 25th | $70,013 |
| 50th (median) | $77,000 |
| 75th | $80,340 |
| 90th | $93,300 |
Salary by year
Median salary
Filings per year
Show as table
| Fiscal year | Median | P25 | P75 | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2020 | $57,996 | $33,571 | $75,363 | 19 |
| FY2021 | $51,761 | $45,228 | $62,673 | 10 |
| FY2022 | $73,050 | $49,370 | $87,678 | 10 |
| FY2023 | – | – | – | 8 |
| FY2024 | $68,744 | $57,204 | $101,000 | 17 |
| FY2025 | – | – | – | 8 |
| FY2026 | $74,838 | $70,070 | $78,520 | 13 |
Questions
How much does an H-1B Geological Technician make?
The median base salary in certified H-1B filings for Geological Technician jobs is $77,000 (21 filings, FY2025–FY2026). Half of the filings are between $70,013 and $80,340.
Do H-1B Geological Technicians earn more than other U.S. workers in the same job?
The H-1B median base salary ($77,000) is 44% higher than the median wage of all U.S. workers in this occupation ($53,350, BLS May 2025). The sources measure pay differently, so treat this as a rough comparison.