As of May 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Geophysicist IV in the United States is $75, which translates to an annual salary of about $156,248.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Geophysicist IV'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Geophysicist IV'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Geophysicist I | 0-2 years | $98,793 |
| Geophysicist II | 2-4 years | $104,395 |
| Geophysicist III | 4-7 years | $141,360 |
| Geophysicist IV | 7+ years | $156,248 |
| Geophysicist V | 7-10 years | $192,066 |
What Am I Worth?
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 3.9% |
| Algorithms | 3.66% |
| Programming Language | 3.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$171,873 |
10%
|
|
Commitment
|
$171,873 |
10%
|
|
Leadership
|
$171,873 |
10%
|
|
Coordination
|
$164,060 |
5%
|
|
Geology
|
$157,810 |
1%
|
|
Python
|
$157,810 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Geophysicist IVs 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 a Geophysicist IV with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $147,481 and $157,942).
Geophysicist IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 14.3% |
| High School | 57.1% |
| Associates | 28.6% |
| Bachelors | 14.3% |
| Masters | 57.1% |
| Doctorate | 28.6% |
Understanding how a Geophysicist IV'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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Geophysicist IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $135,395 in 2023 to around $123,374 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Geophysicist IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $135,395 |
| 2024 | $128,644 |
| 2025 | $123,374 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Presentation: Presentation conveys information from a speaker to an audience. Presentations are typically demonstrations, introduction, lecture, or speech meant to inform, persuade, inspire, motivate, build goodwill, or present a new idea/product.
Algorithms: Algorithms act as an exact list of instructions that conduct specified actions step by step in either hardware- or software-based routines.
Programming Language: 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.
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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