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Intermediate Geophysicist Salary in the United States

How much does an Intermediate Geophysicist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Geophysicist in the United States is $110,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $126,557
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $99,000 to $119,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $88,348
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Intermediate Geophysicist Salaries

An Intermediate 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 Intermediate Geophysicist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Intermediate 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 Geophysicist (0-2 years): $98,895
  • Intermediate Geophysicist (2-4 years): $110,674
  • Senior Geophysicist (4-7 years): $141,498
  • Specialist Geophysicist (7+ years): $156,295
  • Chief Geophysicist (7-10 years): $192,103
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Geophysicist0-2 years$98,895
Intermediate Geophysicist2-4 years$110,674
Senior Geophysicist4-7 years$141,498
Specialist Geophysicist7+ years$156,295
Chief Geophysicist7-10 years$192,103
View as Graph

How Do Intermediate 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 Intermediate Geophysicists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $122,600.
  • California: $122,100.
  • Massachusetts: $120,500.

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate Geophysicists

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:

  • San Jose: $139,600
  • San Francisco: $138,100
  • Oakland: $135,200

What Skills Can Increase an Intermediate Geophysicist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.04% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Data Processing (Mentioned in 4.26% Job Postings): Data processing is the collection and manipulation of data to produce meaningful information. Data processing is a form of information processing, which is the modification of information in any manner detectable by an observer.
  • Programming Language (Mentioned in 2.91% Job Postings): Is any set of rules that converts strings, or graphical program elements in the case of visual programming languages, to various kinds of machine code output. It is a kind of computer language used in computer programming to implement algorithms.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.04%
Data Processing 4.26%
Programming Language 2.91%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Intermediate Geophysicist's salary.

  • Partnering: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Programming Language: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Partnering $121,770
10%
Programming Language $120,663
9%
Artificial Intelligence $118,449
7%
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Intermediate Geophysicist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Intermediate Geophysicist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $128,618. While startup companies pay approximate $108,938.

Intermediate Geophysicist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $108,938
Growth Stage 51~500 $115,168
Established 501~5000 $124,252
Enterprise 5000+ $128,618

How Education impacts an Intermediate Geophysicist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Geophysicists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Intermediate Geophysicist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $100,303 and $109,419).

Intermediate Geophysicist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Intermediate Geophysicist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 28.6%
High School 33.3%
Associates 38.1%
Bachelors 28.6%
Masters 33.3%
Doctorate 38.1%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how an Intermediate 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 September 01, 2026
$99,000
Average $110,700/year
$119,000
$8,250
Average $9,225/month
$9,917
$1,904
Average $2,129/week
$2,288
$48
Average $53/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $119,000 $9,917 $2,288 $57
Average $110,700 $9,225 $2,129 $53
25th Percentile $99,000 $8,250 $1,904 $48

Intermediate Geophysicist Salary Growth & Career Path

Intermediate Geophysicist

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate Geophysicist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Senior Biologist $83,500 -25%
Mine Geologist III $85,600 -23%
Senior Geophysicist $141,500 28%
Hydrogeologist III $113,100 2%

Most common benefits for Intermediate Geophysicist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Intermediate Geophysicist

Here are companies hiring for Intermediate Geophysicist and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Intermediate Geophysicist

1. How much does a beginner engineer earn in USA?

A beginner engineer in the USA can expect to earn a salary ranging from $93,800 to $134,200, with a median salary of approximately $106,400 for positions like Intermediate Geophysicist. This reflects the competitive nature of the engineering field and the specialized skills required.

2. How much does a mine geologist earn in USA?

In the USA, the salary for an Intermediate Geophysicist typically ranges from $93,800 to $134,200 annually, with a median salary of $106,400. This reflects a more specialized role compared to a mine geologist, whose earnings can vary significantly, often falling between $56,000 and $112,000 depending on experience and location.

3. What is the highest paying officer?

The Intermediate Geophysicist is a highly regarded position in the geosciences field, earning a salary ranging from $93,800 to $134,200 annually. This role is crucial for analyzing geological data and contributing to resource exploration, making it one of the top-paying jobs in the sector.

4. How much is GPS paid?

The salary for an Intermediate Geophysicist typically ranges from $93,800 to $134,200, with a median salary of $106,400. This reflects the compensation for professionals in this field, which may vary based on location and experience.

5. Are geologists in demand in USA?

Yes, geologists are in demand in the USA, with an estimated 26,300 professionals currently in the field. The job market for geologists is projected to grow by 4.9% from 2022 to 2032. For those considering a career as an Intermediate Geophysicist, salaries range from $93,800 to $134,200, with a median salary of $106,400.

6. What is a good entry level salary in us?

A good entry-level salary for an Intermediate Geophysicist in the USA ranges from $93,800 to $106,400, with the potential to earn up to $134,200 as experience increases. This reflects the specialized nature of the role and the demand for skilled professionals in the geophysics field.

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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