Expert Geophysicist Salary in the United States

How much does an Expert Geophysicist make?

As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for an Expert Geophysicist in the United States is $192,020 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $92.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $209,157
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $189,150 to $200,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $186,537
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View as table View as graph 25% $189,150 10% $186,537 90% $209,157 75% $200,990 $192,020 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Expert Geophysicist Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $200,990 $16,749 $3,865 $97
Average $192,020 $16,002 $3,693 $92
25th Percentile $189,150 $15,763 $3,638 $91
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Key Factors That Influence Expert Geophysicist Salaries

An Expert 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Expert Geophysicist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Expert 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): $190,835
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $191,051
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $191,267
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $191,569
  • Expert (over 8 years): $192,666
Levels Salary
Entry Level Expert Geophysicist $190,835
Intermediate Level Expert Geophysicist $191,051
Senior Level Expert Geophysicist $191,267
Specialist Level Expert Geophysicist $191,569
Expert Level Expert Geophysicist $192,666
$190,835 0 yr
$191,051 < 2 yrs
$191,267 2-4 yrs
$191,569 5-8 yrs
$192,666 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Expert 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 Expert Geophysicists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • California: $211,800.
  • Massachusetts: $208,980.
  • New Jersey: $208,130

How Education impacts an Expert Geophysicist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Expert Geophysicists enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Expert Geophysicist with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $186,519 and $192,188.

Expert Geophysicist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Expert Geophysicist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
Bachelors 12.5%
Masters 40.6%
Doctorate 46.9%
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Expert Geophysicist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Expert 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.

Last Updated on November 01, 2025

Salary Trends for Expert Geophysicists

Salaries for an Expert Geophysicist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $166,173 in 2023 to around $140,291 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Expert Geophysicist salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Expert Geophysicist Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$166,173
2024
$150,274
2025
$140,291
2026
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $166,173
2024 $150,274
2025 $140,291
2026
View More

Expert Geophysicist bonus and incentive rates

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 44.8%
Bonuses 33.3%
Social Security 3.6%
401k/403b 2.3%
Disability 0.8%
Healthcare 1.9%
Pension 3.7%
Time Off 9.6%
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Core Compensation
Median % of Total
Base Salary $192,020 44.8%
Bonus $142,420 33.3%
Value of Benefits
Median % of Total
Social Security $15,303 3.6%
401K/403B $10,000 2.3%
Disability $3,344 0.8%
Healthcare $7,986 1.9%
Pension $16,000 3.7%
Time Off $41,162 9.6%
Total Compensation $428,235 100%
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Most common benefits for Expert Geophysicist

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Expert Geophysicist

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FAQ about Expert Geophysicist

1. What is the highest salary for a Geophysicist?

The highest salary for an Expert Geophysicist is $201,900. Salary data indicates a minimum of $181,250 and a mid-range salary of $191,840. This reflects a significant earning potential in the field, surpassing many other positions within the geosciences.

2. Is a masters in Geophysics worth it?

A master's in Geophysics can be highly valuable, leading to roles in oil, gas, mining, or research. While a bachelor's degree may suffice for entry-level positions, an MS or PhD significantly enhances job prospects and earning potential. Expert Geophysicists earn between $181,250 and $201,900, making advanced degrees a worthwhile investment for higher salaries.

3. How much does a marine Geophysicist make?

A marine geophysicist typically earns between $181,250 and $201,900 annually, with a median salary around $191,840. While some cities may offer lower salaries, the expertise in this field commands a competitive compensation reflecting the specialized skills required.

4. What is the life of a geophysicist?

A geophysicist is a scientist who studies the Earth's natural processes and their interactions with humans using various methods like gravity and seismic analysis. They combine geology and physics to locate resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. In terms of compensation, salaries typically range from $181,250 to $201,900, with a mid-salary of around $191,840.

5. What is the highest salary for a geoscientist?

The highest salary for an Expert Geophysicist is approximately $201,900 per year. The salary range typically starts at $181,250, with a mid-level salary around $191,840. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in the geoscience field.

6. Are geophysicists in high demand?

Yes, geophysicists are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 5% growth in geoscience employment over the next decade, outpacing many other professions. With salaries ranging from $181,250 to $201,900, this field offers both strong job prospects and competitive compensation, making it an attractive career choice.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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