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Geologist Licensing in Idaho

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in Idaho, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal ed annually

Licensing Blueprint for Geologist in Idaho

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Registration requires meeting education and experience requirements as well as passing a fundamentals and practical exam.

Exam and processing details

  • practical exam

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Idaho Board of Registration for Professional Geologists • Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal ed annually

  4. Salary Position

    $89,860 median (9% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #22 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Idaho eligibility requirements for Geologist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required practical exam.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Idaho Board of Registration for Professional Geologists~Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal ed annually; continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Idaho

With a median salary of $89,860, Geologists in Idaho earn 9% below the national median of $99,240. Idaho ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,134

Median annual salary

$89,860

Hourly estimate

$43.20
9% below national median

Difference: -$9,380

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$63,900
  • P2525th percentile$70,430
  • P50Median$89,860
  • P7575th percentile$106,270
  • P9090th percentile$156,600

State vs National Median

State: $89,860
National: $99,240

Total employment: 220 | Annual openings: N/A

Geologist Salary Ranking

#22 of 50 statesfor Geologist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Texas$155,330
#2Rhode Island$128,870
#3Oklahoma$128,240
#4Mississippi$113,730
#5California$111,400

Nearby States Comparison

Geologist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Idaho$89,860No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Montana$84,630Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wyoming$72,590No educational requirementsThird-party exam required5 years
Utah$104,000Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$95,090Degree requiredState exam required2-21 years
Oregon$95,120Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$99,780Degree requiredThird-party exam required5 years

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Idaho54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Montana78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Utah78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review 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

Idaho Board of Registration for Professional Geologists • Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses

700 W. State St., PO Box 83720, Boise, ID, 83720-0063

Phone: 2083343233

Related Careers in Idaho

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Biological Technicians$39,560Degree requiredVaries by board
Chemical Technicians$55,060Degree requiredVaries by board
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$50,340Degree requiredVaries by board
Environmental Scientist$66,710Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Geologist in Idaho?

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 Idaho?

Idaho lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Geologists.

What education do you need to become a Geologist in Idaho?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Geologist licensure in Idaho.

What is the typical Geologist salary in Idaho?

The median annual salary for Geologists in Idaho is $89,860. Salaries range from $63,900 (10th percentile) to $156,600 (90th percentile).

How does the Geologist salary in Idaho compare to the national average?

Geologists in Idaho earn 9% below the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $89,860.

How many Geologists work in Idaho?

Idaho employs approximately 220 Geologists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Geologist license to Idaho 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 Idaho?

The licensing agency is Idaho Board of Registration for Professional Geologists / Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses. Review agency details at http://ibol.idaho.gov/IBOL/.

How often do you renew a Geologist license in Idaho?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal ed annually.