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Geophysicist Salaries Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Geophysicist III

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$73K - $131K/yr

This individual will play a critical role in supporting projects related to geophysical data ... No Salary Range $73,923.20-$131,331.20 USD REAL ID Requirement This position may require the ...

Expected Salary (all locations): $60,900 - $76,100 WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the ...

Expected Salary (all locations): $49,600 - $55,800 WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the ...

SOCOTEC offers competitive salary and benefits, mentorship, training, and social activities ... We have an immediate opening for a Field Technician to join our geophysics survey team based in ...

Serve as a Geophysical Navigation Engineer for the Leidos Contested Autonomy and Navigation Branch ... salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to ...

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Geophysicist Salaries information

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$48.5K

$95.4K

$144K

How much do geophysicist salaries jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for geophysicist salaries in the United States is $95,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Geophysicist Salaries vs Geoscientists Salaries?

AspectGeophysicist SalariesGeoscientists Salaries
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geophysics or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Geology, Geophysics, or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, research labsFieldwork, research, environmental consulting
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, mining, environmental firmsNatural resources, environmental agencies, consulting

Both geophysicists and geoscientists often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, geophysicists typically focus more on physical methods to study Earth's subsurface, while geoscientists may have a broader scope including geology and environmental sciences. Salary differences reflect specialization and industry demand, but both roles are vital in natural resource exploration and environmental projects.

How much does a geophysicist make?

The average salary for a geophysicist in the United States is around $90,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and industry. Salaries tend to be higher in regions with active oil and gas exploration or large research institutions, and geophysicists often use specialized software and field equipment in their work.

What jobs can I get with a geophysicist degree?

A geophysicist degree can lead to careers such as exploration geophysicist, seismic interpreter, geoscientist, or environmental consultant. These roles often involve analyzing geological data, using specialized software, and working in fields like oil and gas, mineral exploration, or environmental assessment.
More about Geophysicist Salaries jobs
What cities are hiring for Geophysicist Salaries jobs? Cities with the most Geophysicist Salaries job openings:
What states have the most Geophysicist Salaries jobs? States with the most job openings for Geophysicist Salaries jobs include:
Infographic showing various Geophysicist Salaries job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,411 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

$100 - $245/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description

Do you have experience understanding geophysical and geodetic properties of the earth and an interest in investigating their real‑world application to navigation systems supporting missions of utmost importance to the nation?

Are you searching for a career with an employer that provides crucial leadership in solving highly technical challenges addressing our nation and prioritizes continual innovation?

Are you interested in joining a team of engineers, applied mathematicians and physicists as we pursue innovative solutions to the timely and timeless maritime navigation problem in support of the US Navy?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are the Navigation group in the Force Projection Sector at JHU/APL. We are seeking a Geophysicist/Geodesist to help us ensure the US Navy has the most accurate and reliable navigation systems in the world.

Responsibilities
  • Analyze current and potential future geophysical data products (bathymetry, gravity, magnetic, geodetic, etc.) for their accuracy and applicability to US Navy platforms
  • Become the subject matter expert on all geophysical data products used by the US Navy, including how they could be leveraged more effectively in the future
  • Provide advice and technical recommendations on geophysical sensors and data issues affecting various US Navy platforms
  • Advise US Navy sponsors on current and emerging geophysical navigation solutions, including both surface and subsurface fleets
  • Develop error models for geophysical data sources, including gravity, bathymetry, and magnetic data to determine how those errors impact the mission of different US Navy platforms
  • Develop production‑level software tools to be used in geophysical data analysis
  • Apply cutting‑edge analytics and machine learning techniques to geophysical data
  • Evaluate current geophysical‑aided navigation techniques
  • Develop innovative algorithms for integrating geophysical data into surface and subsurface navigation (both pre‑launch and in‑flight) systems
  • Develop and/or sustain geodesy and gravity modeling technology and tools, including the development of geophysical analysis capabilities
  • Collaborate with Laboratory, contractors, and sponsor teams on matters related to geophysical data (including maintenance and modernization) to address critical sponsor needs
  • Survey current academic and industry research for state‑of‑the‑art capabilities in new geophysical sensors to promote innovative ideas to benefit the country
Qualifications
  • Possess a M.S. degree in Geophysics, Geodesy, Physics, or related technical field
  • Have an understanding of and interest in geophysical data sources and how they are used in real world applications
  • Have experience in exploration geophysics, geodesy, and signal processing, with a strong background in physics and math
  • Possess the ability to lead development/research projects
  • Have strong programming experience
  • Are able to do some limited travel (up to 10%)
  • Are able to obtain Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship
Preferred Qualifications
  • Possess a Ph.D. degree in Geophysics, Geodesy, Physics, or a related field
  • Have experience developing geophysical‑aided navigation algorithms
  • Have experience with geodesy and gravity error modeling and analysis, including the development of tools to perform the analysis
  • Have expertise with programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, etc.
  • Have experience with data science and machine learning
  • Have an Active, current Department of Defense security clearance
Salary

Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually

Equal Opportunity & Disability Accommodation

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

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