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Geophysicist II Salary in the United States

How much does a Geophysicist II make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geophysicist II in the United States is $104,443 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $119,064
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $93,346 to $112,096
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $83,243
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Geophysicist II Salaries

A Geophysicist II'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 Geophysicist II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Geophysicist II'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:

  • Geophysicist I (0-2 years): $98,869
  • Geophysicist II (2-4 years): $104,443
  • Geophysicist III (4-7 years): $141,464
  • Geophysicist IV (7+ years): $156,283
  • Geophysicist V (7-10 years): $192,094
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Geophysicist I0-2 years$98,869
Geophysicist II2-4 years$104,443
Geophysicist III4-7 years$141,464
Geophysicist IV7+ years$156,283
Geophysicist V7-10 years$192,094
View as Graph

How Do Geophysicist IIs 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 Geophysicist IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $115,639.
  • California: $115,201.
  • Massachusetts: $113,665.

Top Paying Cities for Geophysicist II

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: $131,734
  • San Francisco: $130,292
  • Oakland: $127,546

What Skills Can Increase a Geophysicist II'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 a Geophysicist II'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 $114,887
10%
Programming Language $113,843
9%
Artificial Intelligence $111,754
7%
Get Latest Data

Geophysicist II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Geophysicist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $121,695. While startup companies pay approximate $103,060.

Geophysicist II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $103,060
Growth Stage 51~500 $108,966
Established 501~5000 $117,562
Enterprise 5000+ $121,695

How Education impacts an Geophysicist II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Geophysicist II enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Geophysicist II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $100,673 and $109,843.

Geophysicist II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Geophysicist II
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

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

Understanding how a Geophysicist II'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 August 01, 2026
$93,346
Average $104,443/year
$112,096
$7,779
Average $8,704/month
$9,341
$1,795
Average $2,009/week
$2,156
$45
Average $50/hour
$54
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $112,096 $9,341 $2,156 $54
Average $104,443 $8,704 $2,009 $50
25th Percentile $93,346 $7,779 $1,795 $45

Geophysicist II Salary Growth & Career Path

Geophysicist II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Geophysicist II, 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
Biologist III $83,428 -20%
Geologist III $85,576 -18%
Geophysicist III $141,464 35%
Hydrologist III $112,995 8%

Most common benefits for Geophysicist II

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

Common company salaries for Geophysicist II

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

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FAQ about Geophysicist II

1. Where can a Geophysicist II earn the most?

A Geophysicist II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Geophysicist II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Geophysicist II is $131,734.

2. What is the highest pay for Geophysicist II?

The highest pay for Geophysicist II is $119,064.

3. What is the lowest pay for Geophysicist II?

The lowest pay for Geophysicist II is $83,243.

4. What are the responsibilities of Geophysicist II?

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.

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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