How much does a Geophysicist make in the United States?
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The average Geophysicist salary in the United States is $205,456 as of January 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Geophysicist positions (listed below) typically falls between $110,482 and $300,430. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Geophysicist's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Geophysicist IV | $215,667 | $103.69 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Geophysicist III | $176,235 | $84.73 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Geophysicist V | $279,254 | $134.26 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Geophysicist I | $132,310 | $63.61 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Geophysicist II | $147,694 | $71.01 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Petroleum Geologist I | $129,703 | $62.36 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Petroleum Geologist II | $149,283 | $71.77 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Petroleum Geologist III | $180,519 | $86.79 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Petroleum Geologist IV | $212,492 | $102.16 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Petroleum Geologist V | $257,026 | $123.57 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
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Designs, coordinates, and conducts geophysical surveys using seismic, magnetic, gravity, electrical, and electromagnetic methods and technologies. Collects, processes, and interprets site data to develop maps and models to identify subsurface features. Communicates with engineers, geologists, and other environmental scientists to collaborate on research, exploration, and development projects. Monitors tectonic movements, magnetic fields, and seismic patterns to evaluate their impact on the organization's projects or infrastructure. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Geophysicist IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Specialist Geophysicist, Geophysicist IV
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Designs, coordinates, and conducts geophysical surveys using seismic, magnetic, gravity, electrical, and electromagnetic methods and technologies. Collects, processes, and interprets site data to develop maps and models to identify subsurface features. Communicates with engineers, geologists, and other environmental scientists to collaborate on research, exploration, and development projects. Monitors tectonic movements, magnetic fields, and seismic patterns to evaluate their impact on the organization's projects or infrastructure. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. View Geophysicist III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Senior Geophysicist, Geophysicist III
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Designs, coordinates, and conducts geophysical surveys using seismic, magnetic, gravity, electrical, and electromagnetic methods and technologies. Collects, processes, and interprets site data to develop maps and models to identify subsurface features. Communicates with engineers, geologists, and other environmental scientists to collaborate on research, exploration, and development projects. Monitors tectonic movements, magnetic fields, and seismic patterns to evaluate their impact on the organization's projects or infrastructure. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Geophysicist V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Chief Geophysicist, Expert Geophysicist, Geophysicist V
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Designs, coordinates, and conducts geophysical surveys using seismic, magnetic, gravity, electrical, and electromagnetic methods and technologies. Collects, processes, and interprets site data to develop maps and models to identify subsurface features. Communicates with engineers, geologists, and other environmental scientists to collaborate on research, exploration, and development projects. Monitors tectonic movements, magnetic fields, and seismic patterns to evaluate their impact on the organization's projects or infrastructure. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Geophysicist I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Entry Geophysicist, Geophysicist I
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Designs, coordinates, and conducts geophysical surveys using seismic, magnetic, gravity, electrical, and electromagnetic methods and technologies. Collects, processes, and interprets site data to develop maps and models to identify subsurface features. Communicates with engineers, geologists, and other environmental scientists to collaborate on research, exploration, and development projects. Monitors tectonic movements, magnetic fields, and seismic patterns to evaluate their impact on the organization's projects or infrastructure. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Geophysicist II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Geophysicist, Geophysicist II
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Studies and examines variations in rock formations and mineral samples to identify and manage gas and oil deposits. Collects samples and utilizes seismic imaging, geological surveys, and subsurface mapping technologies to survey and assess potential drilling locations. Determines optimal locations for drilling wells, recommends methods for extracting oil and gas, and troubleshoots and resolves problems that arise during drilling operations. Interprets analyses, field tests, and lab results to estimate the quality, size, and depth of carbon deposits. Analyzes the integrity of wells to determine the feasibility of drilling. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Petroleum Geologist I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Certified Petroleum Geologist I, Exploration Geologist I, Prospect Geophysicist I, Petroleum Geologist I
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Studies and examines variations in rock formations and mineral samples to identify and manage gas and oil deposits. Collects samples and utilizes seismic imaging, geological surveys, and subsurface mapping technologies to survey and assess potential drilling locations. Determines optimal locations for drilling wells, recommends methods for extracting oil and gas, and troubleshoots and resolves problems that arise during drilling operations. Interprets analyses, field tests, and lab results to estimate the quality, size, and depth of carbon deposits. Analyzes the integrity of wells to determine the feasibility of drilling. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Petroleum Geologist II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Certified Petroleum Geologist II, Exploration Geologist II, Prospect Geophysicist II, Petroleum Geologist II
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Studies and examines variations in rock formations and mineral samples to identify and manage gas and oil deposits. Collects samples and utilizes seismic imaging, geological surveys, and subsurface mapping technologies to survey and assess potential drilling locations. Determines optimal locations for drilling wells, recommends methods for extracting oil and gas, and troubleshoots and resolves problems that arise during drilling operations. Interprets analyses, field tests, and lab results to estimate the quality, size, and depth of carbon deposits. Analyzes the integrity of wells to determine the feasibility of drilling. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. View Petroleum Geologist III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Certified Petroleum Geologist III, Exploration Geologist III, Prospect Geophysicist III, Petroleum Geologist III
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Studies and examines variations in rock formations and mineral samples to identify and manage gas and oil deposits. Collects samples and utilizes seismic imaging, geological surveys, and subsurface mapping technologies to survey and assess potential drilling locations. Determines optimal locations for drilling wells, recommends methods for extracting oil and gas, and troubleshoots and resolves problems that arise during drilling operations. Interprets analyses, field tests, and lab results to estimate the quality, size, and depth of carbon deposits. Analyzes the integrity of wells to determine the feasibility of drilling. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Petroleum Geologist IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Certified Petroleum Geologist IV, Exploration Geologist IV, Prospect Geophysicist IV, Petroleum Geologist IV
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Studies and examines variations in rock formations and mineral samples to identify and manage gas and oil deposits. Collects samples and utilizes seismic imaging, geological surveys, and subsurface mapping technologies to survey and assess potential drilling locations. Determines optimal locations for drilling wells, recommends methods for extracting oil and gas, and troubleshoots and resolves problems that arise during drilling operations. Interprets analyses, field tests, and lab results to estimate the quality, size, and depth of carbon deposits. Analyzes the integrity of wells to determine the feasibility of drilling. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Petroleum Geologist V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Certified Petroleum Geologist V, Exploration Geologist V, Prospect Geophysicist V, Petroleum Geologist V