Application Fee
See agencyVerified by LA Board of Science
Geologist Licensing in Louisiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Four years of progressive engineering experience obtained subsequent to receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program.
- 7
Eight-hour National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Principles and Practice examination in the discipline of engineering in which licensure is sought.
- 8
Initial License Fee/s Renewal License Fee/s Authorizing Statute.
Exam and processing details
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Principles and Practice examination in the discipline of engineering in which licensure is sought
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development • Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$72,340 median (27% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Louisiana 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 National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Principles and Practice examination in the discipline of engineering in which licensure is sought.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development~Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Louisiana
With a median salary of $72,340, Geologists in Louisiana earn 27% below the national median of $99,240. Louisiana ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,176Median annual salary
$72,340Hourly estimate
$34.7827% below national median
Difference: -$26,900
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeologist Salary Ranking
#46 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $72,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $65,250 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $113,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $155,330 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development • Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board
9643 Brookline Avenue, Suite 121, Baton Rouge, LA, 70809
Phone: 2259528100
Related Careers in Louisiana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $53,620 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $83,480 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $48,000 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $67,260 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Geologist in Louisiana?
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 Louisiana?
Louisiana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Geologists.
What education do you need to become a Geologist in Louisiana?
The board typically expects Degree required for Geologist licensure in Louisiana.
What is the typical Geologist salary in Louisiana?
The median annual salary for Geologists in Louisiana is $72,340. Salaries range from $51,530 (10th percentile) to $145,970 (90th percentile).
How does the Geologist salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?
Geologists in Louisiana earn 27% below the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $72,340.
How many Geologists work in Louisiana?
Louisiana employs approximately 420 Geologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Geologist license to Louisiana from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Geologists in Louisiana?
The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development / Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board. Review agency details at https://www.lapels.com/.
How often do you renew a Geologist license in Louisiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.