Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Science
Geologist Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Geologist in Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Land Surveyors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$99,900 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#10 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Geologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Professions & Occupations~Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Land Surveyors and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $99,900, Geologists in Colorado earn 1% above the national median of $99,240. Colorado ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$99,900Hourly estimate
$48.031% above national median
Difference: +$660
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeologist Salary Ranking
#10 of 50 statesfor Geologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Texas | $155,330 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | $128,870 |
| #3 | Oklahoma | $128,240 |
| #4 | Mississippi | $113,730 |
| #5 | California | $111,400 |
Nearby States Comparison
Geologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $99,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $72,590 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | 5 years |
| Nebraska | $85,500 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-15 years |
| Kansas | $76,980 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $128,240 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $93,720 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $83,630 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $104,000 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Land Surveyors
1560 Broadway Suite 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $54,600 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $64,540 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $49,490 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $86,720 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Geologist in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Geologists in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Geologists.
What education do you need to become a Geologist in Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Geologist licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Geologist salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Geologists in Colorado is $99,900. Salaries range from $59,090 (10th percentile) to $205,660 (90th percentile).
How does the Geologist salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Geologists in Colorado earn 1% above the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $99,900.
How many Geologists work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 1,420 Geologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Geologist license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Geologists in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Land Surveyors. Review agency details at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/licenses-and-permits-0.
How often do you renew a Geologist license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.