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Seismologist Salary in the United States

How much does a Seismologist make in the United States?

$112,322 (USD)/year

Average Bonus

$3,471 (USD)

per Year
Total Compensation

$114,321.75

As of July, 23, 2026, the average seismologist gross salary in United States is $112,322 or an equivalent hourly rate of $54. In addition, seismologists earn an average bonus of $3,471. An entry level seismologist with 1-3 years of experience earns an average salary of $79,073. At the higher end of the pay range, a senior level seismologist with 8+ years of experience earns an average salary of $128,697. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers in United States.
Data powered by ERI

Salary Potential for a Seismologist

Explore the estimated salary growth for a Seismologist in the United States for up to 5 years. The estimated salary of a Seismologist will be $115,220 in 1 year and $127,581 in 5 years.
View Salary by Year
Estimated Salary
$118,194
Average Growth
5.2 %
The estimated salary for a Seismologist in 2 years is $118,194, which is 5.2 % average growth. This information is based on ERI's compensation database.

Typical Seismologist Education

This chart displays the highest level of education for Seismologists.

  • 0% of Seismologists have less than a High School Diploma
  • 0% of Seismologists have a High School Diploma
  • 0% of Seismologists have an Associate's Degree
  • 100% of Seismologists have a Bachelor's Degree
  • 0% of Seismologists have a Master's Degree
  • 0% of Seismologists have a Doctorate Degree

The typical field of study for a Seismologist is Geology/Earth Science.

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Popular Skills for a Seismologist

Modeling
100%

These are the most popular skills for Seismologists. About 100% of Seismologists have a skill in Modeling.

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Where can a Seismologist earn more?

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Seismologist Salaries in Other Locations

Salaries for Similar Job Titles in the United States

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Cost of Living in the United States

The cost of living in the United States is equal to the national average.
0% equal to
than the national average
Whether you're planning to move or just want to see the cost of living in different locations, our cost-of-living calculator is the place to start. Compare salaries for other locations by city, U.S. ZIP code, state, or country.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Seismologist do?
Studies and interprets data from seismographs and other geophysical instruments to detect earthquakes and locate earthquake related faults. Researches seismic forces affecting deformative movements of Earth. Positions covered by this definition are characterized by the inclusion of work that requires an understanding of both theories and principles. Excludes paraprofessional positions.
How much does a Seismologist make in the United States?
The average salary for a Seismologist is $112,322 per year or $54.00 per hour in the United States. Top earners have reported making up to $128,697. However, the typical pay range in the United States is between $79,073 and $128,697 annually.
What is the salary trajectory for a Seismologist?
Seismologist is projected to see a 13.6 % salary change in 5 years.
How can you increase your salary?
Increasing your salary often starts with understanding your value in today’s job market. You can increase your earning potential by building your skills, advancing your education, moving into a new role or industry, switching companies, or negotiating pay.
How can you negotiate a salary offer? 
Negotiating a salary offer involves preparation and finding our your market value. Use our salary calculator to find out how much you should be paid based on what someone in your area, with similar experience, earns. Use this personalized report to help negotiate a higher salary offer or find your dream career. 
What are some factors that impact Seismologist salaries? 
Several factors can impact your salary, including experience, company size, job market, location, industry, and more. Understanding how these factors affect your role can help you spot pay gaps and provide opportunities for a competitive salary.

About Our Data

This page is an excerpt of the much more complete compensation information available in ERI's Assessor Series.

ERI compiles the most robust and accurate salary, cost-of-living, and executive compensation survey database available. Data are analyzed using AI and traditional statistics, depending on which approach is best for a particular application. ERI collects salary survey data from five different sources, which you can learn about here.

Verified Sources
Data sourced from internal salary surveys, purchased surveys, public sources, HRIS data, and proprietary databases.
Real-Time Data
Our salary database is updated and verified approximately every six weeks.
Quality Assurance
Along with our data scientists, we have included AI in our rigorous process to analyze and provide the highest quality data.

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