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Geophysicist IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geophysicist IV in the United States is $156,283 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $169,960
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $140,594 to $163,442
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $126,310
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Geophysicist IV Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Geophysicist IV Salaries?

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:

  • 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 IVs 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $173,037.
  • California: $172,380.
  • Massachusetts: $170,083.

Top Paying Cities for Geophysicist IV

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: $197,120
  • San Francisco: $194,961
  • Oakland: $190,853

What Skills Can Increase a Geophysicist IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Presentation (Mentioned in 3.9% Job Postings): 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 (Mentioned in 3.66% Job Postings): Algorithms act as an exact list of instructions that conduct specified actions step by step in either hardware- or software-based routines.
  • Programming Language (Mentioned in 3.17% 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
Presentation 3.9%
Algorithms 3.66%
Programming Language 3.17%
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 IV's salary.

  • Coaching: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coaching $171,911
10%
Commitment $171,911
10%
Leadership $171,911
10%
Get Latest Data

Geophysicist IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Geophysicist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $182,097. While startup companies pay approximate $154,214.

Geophysicist IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $154,214
Growth Stage 51~500 $163,051
Established 501~5000 $175,913
Enterprise 5000+ $182,097

How Education impacts an Geophysicist IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Geophysicist IV 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $0 and $0.

Geophysicist IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Geophysicist IV
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%
View as Graph

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

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 August 01, 2026
$140,594
Average $156,283/year
$163,442
$11,716
Average $13,024/month
$13,620
$2,704
Average $3,005/week
$3,143
$68
Average $75/hour
$79
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $163,442 $13,620 $3,143 $79
Average $156,283 $13,024 $3,005 $75
25th Percentile $140,594 $11,716 $2,704 $68

Geophysicist IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Geophysicist IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Geophysicist IV, 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 V $137,002 -12%
Geologist V $131,059 -16%
Geophysicist V $192,094 23%
Microbiologist V $133,864 -14%

Most common benefits for Geophysicist IV

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

Common company salaries for Geophysicist IV

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

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FAQ about Geophysicist IV

1. Where can a Geophysicist IV earn the most?

A Geophysicist IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Geophysicist IV is $197,120.

2. What is the highest pay for Geophysicist IV?

The highest pay for Geophysicist IV is $169,960.

3. What is the lowest pay for Geophysicist IV?

The lowest pay for Geophysicist IV is $126,310.

4. What are the responsibilities of Geophysicist IV?

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.

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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