Geophysicists
Overview
Introduction
Geophysicists are geoscientists who are concerned with matter and energy and how they interact. They study the physical properties and structure of the earth, from its interior to its upper atmosphere, including land surfaces, subsurfaces, and bodies of water. There are approximately 26,000 geoscientists and 6,500 hydrologists employed in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), geoscientists (which includes geophysicists) earned an average annual salary of $92,580 in May 2023. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $52,500 per year, while the highest paid 10 percent earned more than $172,600 annually. The average salary for a geophysicist working for state government agencies was $82,370. Hydrologists earned salari...
Work Environment
Geophysicists employed in laboratories or offices generally work a regular 40-hour week under typical office conditions. Field geophysicists work under a variety of conditions and often the hours are irregular. They are outdoors much of the time in all kinds of weather. The work requires carrying small tools and equipment and occasionally some heavy lifting. Field geophysicists often travel to ...
Outlook
Employment of all geoscientists is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2033, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The total number of graduates with degrees in the geophysical sciences is expected to remain small and insufficient to meet the increase in industry job openings.
In recent years, the petroleum industry, the largest employer...