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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary in San Luis Obispo, CA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in San Luis Obispo, CA have a median annual salary of $117,420, with 50 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $65,330 at the 10th percentile to $142,300 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$117,420

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$56.45

Employment

50

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$65,330
10th
$85,610
25th
$117,420
Median
$138,120
75th
$142,300
90th

Local compared with national

San Luis Obispo, CA

$117,420

Median annual · 2025

United States

$101,920

Median annual · 2025

The San Luis Obispo, CA median is 15.2% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $15,500).

Top skills

  1. 1.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.3
  2. 2.ScienceImportance 4.3
  3. 3.WritingImportance 4.0
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 4.0
  5. 5.Critical ThinkingImportance 4.0
  6. 6.Active ListeningImportance 3.9
  7. 7.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9
  8. 8.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.9
  9. 9.MathematicsImportance 3.5
  10. 10.Active LearningImportance 3.4
  11. 11.Systems AnalysisImportance 3.3
  12. 12.Systems EvaluationImportance 3.3

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
None
Job zone
4

Technology used

  • Email software
  • ACD Systems Canvas
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Alara CRystalView
  • Aquifer test software
  • Atoll GeoCAD
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Bentley Systems gINT
  • Bilko
  • BOSS Didger
  • ChemStat
  • Clover Technology GALENA
  • Compass software
  • CrystalMaker

Common tasks

  • Locate and review research articles or environmental, historical, or technical reports.
  • Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
  • Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
  • Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
  • Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
  • Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
  • Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
  • Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
  • Study historical climate change indicators found in locations, such as ice sheets or rock formations to develop climate change models.
  • Review work plans to determine the effectiveness of activities for mitigating soil or groundwater contamination.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary in other locations

Other occupations in San Luis Obispo, CA