Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Science
Geologist Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
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.
- 5
Professional Geologist is an individual licensed and registered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the performance of geological service or work, including technical completeness reviews or inspections of un-finalized work product, that requires the utilization, application and interpretation of fundamental and practical principles of the geological sciences in the practice of geology.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$78,890 median (21% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania 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.; Professional Geologist is an individual licensed and registered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the perfo...).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $78,890, Geologists in Pennsylvania earn 21% below the national median of $99,240. Pennsylvania ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$78,890Hourly estimate
$37.9321% below national median
Difference: -$20,350
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeologist Salary Ranking
#34 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $78,890 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $84,910 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $78,840 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $82,970 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $99,200 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $95,640 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Ohio | $73,120 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | 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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837049
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $47,820 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $59,130 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $60,060 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $73,040 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Geologist in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Geologists.
What education do you need to become a Geologist in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Geologist licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Geologist salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Geologists in Pennsylvania is $78,890. Salaries range from $54,380 (10th percentile) to $118,810 (90th percentile).
How does the Geologist salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Geologists in Pennsylvania earn 21% below the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $78,890.
How many Geologists work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 750 Geologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Geologist license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Professional Engineer; Land Surveyors; & Geologists Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/EngineersLandSurveyorsandGeologists/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Geologist license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.