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Geological Engineer Salary in Irvine, CA

How much does a geological engineer make in Irvine? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Irvine's cost of living.

Median Salary
$298,142
per year in Irvine
Entry Level
$180,691
Starting salary
Senior Level
$409,568
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how geological engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Irvine.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$180,691$298,142$409,568
Monthly$15,058$24,845$34,131
Biweekly$6,950$11,467$15,753
Weekly$3,475$5,734$7,876
Hourly$87$143$197

Irvine vs National Average

How Irvine's geological engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Irvine Salary
$298,142
COL Index: 158
National Average
$147,420
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$150,722
Higher in Irvine

Cost of Living in Irvine

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,350
per month
Median Income
$88,234
per year
Population
287,401
residents
Rent % of Income
32.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Irvine have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Geological Engineer

Overview

Apply geology to engineering projects including mining and construction.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geological Engineering or Geology

Key Skills

Geological AnalysisSoil MechanicsGeotechnical DesignField Work

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Geological Engineer Salary

See Geological Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$344,594
+16%
Los Angeles, CA
$142,520
-52%
Chicago, IL
$173,366
-42%
Houston, TX
$101,020
-66%
Phoenix, AZ
$110,540
-63%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Geological Engineer Salary in Irvine, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a geological engineer in Irvine, CA is $298,142 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Irvine's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level geological engineer professionals in Irvine can expect to earn around $180,691 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level geological engineers earning approximately $409,568 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Irvine's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Irvine are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $147,420, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a geological engineer's salary in Irvine typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,350 per month, housing represents about 9.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Geological Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Irvine, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.