As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geophysicist in the United States is $106,808 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Geophysicist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Geophysicist | $101,364 |
| Intermediate Level Geophysicist | $101,695 |
| Senior Level Geophysicist | $105,609 |
| Specialist Level Geophysicist | $108,965 |
| Expert Level Geophysicist | $109,204 |
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 Geophysicists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.04% |
| Data Processing | 4.26% |
| Programming Language | 2.91% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Partnering
|
$117,489 |
10%
|
|
Programming Language
|
$116,421 |
9%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$114,285 |
7%
|
|
Technical Writing
|
$113,216 |
6%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$112,148 |
5%
|
|
Research and Development
|
$111,080 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 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 a Geophysicist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $100,673 and $109,843).
Geophysicist Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Geophysicist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $95,607 in 2023 to around $88,305 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Geophysicist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $95,607 |
| 2024 | $90,335 |
| 2025 | $88,305 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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