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Geophysicist Salary in California

How much does a Geophysicist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geophysicist in California is $124,914 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

However, a Geophysicist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $143,681
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $113,378 to $134,737
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $102,876
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Geophysicist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Geophysicist Salaries

A Geophysicist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Geophysicist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Geophysicist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $109,790
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $122,867
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $157,087
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $173,514
  • Expert (over 8 years): $213,267
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Geophysicist I less than 1 year $109,790
Geophysicist 1-2 years $122,867
Geophysicist III 2-4 years $157,087
Geophysicist IV 5-8 years $173,514
Geophysicist V over 8 years $213,267

How Do Geophysicist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Geophysicists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $125,389.
  • California: $124,914.
  • Massachusetts: $123,249.

Top Paying Cities for Geophysicist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $125,129
  • West Hollywood: $125,038
  • Dodgertown: $125,128

Geophysicist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Geophysicist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$113,378
Average $124,914/year
$134,737
$9,448
Average $10,409/month
$11,228
$2,180
Average $2,402/week
$2,591
$55
Average $60/hour
$65
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $134,737 $11,228 $2,591 $65
Average $124,914 $10,409 $2,402 $60
25th Percentile $113,378 $9,448 $2,180 $55

Find Your Next Geophysicist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Geophysicist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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