Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Science
Geologist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Geologist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Be a graduate of an accredited college or university. The applicant shall have successfully completed a minimum of thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter hours of course work in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology or their subdivisions. The department may waive the academic requirements for a person who is a geologist
- provided, that application for licensure is made no later than January 1, 2009, and the applicant can provide evidence to satisfy the department that the applicant is competent to practice geology
- 2
Have at least five (5) years of geological education and professional experience.
- Any combination of the following kinds of education and experience qualify toward accumulating the required five (5) years:
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Experience: Work experience required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
Professional geologists apply the principles, theories, laws, and body of knowledge encompassed in the science of geology at an advanced and skillful level requiring education, experience, and the capability of interpretation and evaluation.
- 7
The applicant shall have successfully completed a minimum of thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter hours of course work in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology or their subdivisions.
- 8
The department may waive the academic requirements for a person who is a geologist
- provided, that application for licensure is made no later than January 1, 2009, and the applicant can provide evidence to satisfy the department that the applicant is competent to practice geology
- 9
(2) Have at least five (5) years of geological education and professional experience.
- 10
Any combination of the following kinds of education and experience qualify toward accumulating the required five (5) years:.
- 11
(A) Each year of graduate study shall count as one (1) year of experience
- provided, that credit for graduate study or graduate courses, individually or in any combination of graduate study and courses, shall in no case exceed a total of two (2) years toward meeting the five-year requirement of this subdivision (a)(2)
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate of licensure, an applicant shall meet each of the following minimum qualifications:
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$76,610 median (23% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Geologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required state examinations.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Be a graduate of an accredited college or university. The applicant shall have successfully completed a minimum of thirty (30) semester o...; The department may waive the academic requirements for a person who is a geologist; provided, that application for licensure is made no l...).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division of Regulatory Boards~Division of Regulatory Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $76,610, Geologists in Tennessee earn 23% below the national median of $99,240. Tennessee ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$76,610Hourly estimate
$36.8323% below national median
Difference: -$22,630
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeologist Salary Ranking
#40 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $76,610 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $68,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $94,160 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $79,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $62,850 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $80,310 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $113,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $65,250 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $95,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 3 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Kentucky | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 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
Agency website unverified
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
Davy Crockett Tower 2d Floor, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6157413449
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $58,520 | Specific course required | 1-5 years |
| Chemical Technicians | $51,030 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $55,940 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $76,900 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Geologist in Tennessee?
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 education do you need to become a Geologist in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Geologist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Geologist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Geologists in Tennessee is $76,610. Salaries range from $51,850 (10th percentile) to $115,750 (90th percentile).
How does the Geologist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Geologists in Tennessee earn 23% below the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $76,610.
How many Geologists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 270 Geologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Geologist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division of Regulatory Boards / Division of Regulatory Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Geologist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.