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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geophysicist V in the United States is $192,094 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $92.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $209,525
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $189,386 to $201,218
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $186,921

Key Factors That Influence Geophysicist V Salaries

A Geophysicist V'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 V Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Geophysicist V'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

Top Paying Cities for Geophysicist V

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: $242,288
  • San Francisco: $239,635
  • Oakland: $234,585

What Skills Can Increase a Geophysicist V's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Presentation (Mentioned in 3.74% 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.
  • Data Processing (Mentioned in 4.74% 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 3.24% 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 3.74%
Data Processing 4.74%
Programming Language 3.24%

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 V's salary.

  • Artificial Intelligence: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Problem Solving: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Programming Language: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Artificial Intelligence $215,145
12%
Problem Solving $213,224
11%
Programming Language $213,224
11%

Geophysicist V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Geophysicist V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $223,824. While startup companies pay approximate $189,551.

Geophysicist V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $189,551
Growth Stage 51~500 $200,413
Established 501~5000 $216,222
Enterprise 5000+ $223,824

How Education impacts an Geophysicist V's Salary?

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

Geophysicist V Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Geophysicist V
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 12.5%
High School 40.6%
Associates 46.9%
Bachelors 12.5%
Masters 40.6%
Doctorate 46.9%

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

Understanding how a Geophysicist V'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
$189,386
Average $192,094/year
$201,218
$15,782
Average $16,008/month
$16,768
$3,642
Average $3,694/week
$3,870
$91
Average $92/hour
$97
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $201,218 $16,768 $3,870 $97
Average $192,094 $16,008 $3,694 $92
25th Percentile $189,386 $15,782 $3,642 $91

Geophysicist V Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Geophysicist V, 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.

Geophysicist V Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Geologist Manager $139,750 -27%
Molecular Biology Senior Manager $144,043 -25%
Physicist VI $186,405 -3%

Most common benefits for Geophysicist V

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

Common company salaries for Geophysicist V

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

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FAQ about Geophysicist V

1. Where can a Geophysicist V earn the most?

A Geophysicist V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Geophysicist V is $242,288.

2. What is the highest pay for Geophysicist V?

The highest pay for Geophysicist V is $209,525.

3. What is the lowest pay for Geophysicist V?

The lowest pay for Geophysicist V is $186,921.

4. What are the responsibilities of Geophysicist V?

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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ 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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