Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Science
Geologist Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in New York, 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 New York
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Experience: Work experience required.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 3
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 5
Section 7204-a of the Education Law defines the practice of the profession of geology as performing professional services such as researching, investigating, consulting and geological mapping, describing the natural processes that act upon the earth's materials, predicting the probable occurrence of natural resources, predicting and locating natural or human-induced phenomena which may be useful or hazardous to humankind and recognizing, determining and evaluating geological factors, and the inspection and performance of geological work and the responsible supervision thereof in furtherance of the health, safety and welfare of the public
- provided, however, that geological mapping must not include the practice of land surveying as defined in section 7203 of the Education Law.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Education Department • State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying & Geology
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$84,910 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Geologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Section 7204-a of the Education Law defines the practice of the profession of geology as performing professional services such as researc...).
- 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 NYS Education Department~State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying & Geology and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New York
With a median salary of $84,910, Geologists in New York earn 14% below the national median of $99,240. New York ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$84,910Hourly estimate
$40.8214% below national median
Difference: -$14,330
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeologist Salary Ranking
#25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $84,910 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $102,190 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $98,720 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $78,460 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $78,840 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $78,890 | Degree required | Third-party 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 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
NYS Education Department • State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying & Geology
89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12234
Phone: 5184743817ext140
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $58,750 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $57,720 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $59,380 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $80,240 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Geologist in New York?
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 New York?
New York lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Geologists.
What is the typical Geologist salary in New York?
The median annual salary for Geologists in New York is $84,910. Salaries range from $63,100 (10th percentile) to $141,730 (90th percentile).
How does the Geologist salary in New York compare to the national average?
Geologists in New York earn 14% below the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $84,910.
How many Geologists work in New York?
New York employs approximately 700 Geologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Geologist license to New York 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 New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying & Geology. Review agency details at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/.
How often do you renew a Geologist license in New York?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.