Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IN Board of Science
Geologist Licensing in Indiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in Indiana, 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 Indiana
Estimated timeline: 5-7 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
An applicant for licensure as a Professional Geologist must: Successfully complete at least thirty (30) semester hours or forty-five (45) quarter hours of course work in geology, culminating in a baccalaureate or advanced degree.
- 7
Achieve passing scores on the Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) examination.
Exam and processing details
- State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) examination
Continuing education and program notes
- certain educational criteria qualifying towards accumulation of the required number of years of professional geological work
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Indiana Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists • Indiana Geological Survey • Indiana University
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$79,290 median (20% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#33 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Indiana 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 State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) examination.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Indiana Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists~Indiana Geological Survey~Indiana University and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Indiana
With a median salary of $79,290, Geologists in Indiana earn 20% below the national median of $99,240. Indiana ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 5-7 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,201Median annual salary
$79,290Hourly estimate
$38.1220% below national median
Difference: -$19,950
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeologist Salary Ranking
#33 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $79,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 5-7 years |
| Michigan | $81,800 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $73,120 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $68,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $85,420 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 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
Indiana Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists • Indiana Geological Survey • Indiana University
420 N. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN, 47404
Phone: 8128557636
Related Careers in Indiana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $50,070 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $51,980 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $47,680 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $77,380 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Geologist in Indiana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 5-7 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Geologists in Indiana?
Indiana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Geologists.
What education do you need to become a Geologist in Indiana?
The board typically expects Degree required for Geologist licensure in Indiana.
What is the typical Geologist salary in Indiana?
The median annual salary for Geologists in Indiana is $79,290. Salaries range from $54,450 (10th percentile) to $129,670 (90th percentile).
How does the Geologist salary in Indiana compare to the national average?
Geologists in Indiana earn 20% below the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $79,290.
How many Geologists work in Indiana?
Indiana employs approximately 250 Geologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Geologist license to Indiana 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 Indiana?
The licensing agency is Indiana Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists / Indiana Geological Survey / Indiana University. Review agency details at https://igws.indiana.edu/.
How often do you renew a Geologist license in Indiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.