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Geophysics Graduate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Students completing the last year of their Master's or Doctorate Thesis program or with less than 2 years post-graduate degree experience in geology, geophysics, geological engineering, or related ...

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Geophysics Graduate information

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$48.5K

$95.4K

$144K

How much do geophysics graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for geophysics graduate 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 Geophysics Graduate vs Geoscientist?

AspectGeophysics GraduateGeoscientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in geophysics or related fieldBachelor's or higher in geology, geophysics, or earth sciences
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, research labsField surveys, laboratory work, data interpretation
Industry UsageEntry-level roles in exploration, environmental consultingExploration, resource management, environmental assessment

While both roles involve earth sciences and data analysis, a Geophysics Graduate typically focuses on geophysical methods and data collection, often in exploration or environmental projects. A Geoscientist has a broader scope, including geology and earth processes, and may work in diverse settings like resource exploration or environmental consulting. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in specialization and job focus.

What is a geophysics graduate?

Geophysics graduates are individuals who have completed a degree in geophysics, the scientific study of the Earth using physical methods. They learn about the Earth's structure, composition, and processes by applying principles of physics, mathematics, and geology. Geophysics graduates often work in fields like natural resource exploration, environmental consulting, research, and engineering. Their skills are valuable for understanding earthquakes, mapping underground resources, and monitoring environmental changes. These graduates typically possess strong analytical, computational, and problem-solving abilities.

What are some common challenges faced by geophysics graduates in their first professional role?

Geophysics Graduates often encounter the challenge of adapting theoretical knowledge to practical fieldwork, which can involve using complex instruments and interpreting large datasets in real-world environments. Working in multidisciplinary teams with geologists, engineers, and data scientists requires strong communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, field assignments may involve travel or remote locations, demanding flexibility and adaptability. Over time, these experiences help graduates develop a well-rounded skill set and open up opportunities for advancement into specialized or leadership roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geophysics graduate?

To thrive as a Geophysics Graduate, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, earth sciences, and often a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with geophysical data analysis software (such as MATLAB, GIS, or seismic interpretation tools) and sometimes GPR or remote sensing equipment is typical. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills enable accurate scientific analysis, effective problem-solving, and successful collaboration on complex geoscientific projects.
More about Geophysics Graduate jobs
What cities are hiring for Geophysics Graduate jobs? Cities with the most Geophysics Graduate job openings:
What states have the most Geophysics Graduate jobs? States with the most job openings for Geophysics Graduate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Geophysics Graduate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,411 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Job description

This announcement is being advertised as a Forest Service National Hiring effort to fill multiple vacancies. Positions may be filled at one or more of the duty locations included in this announcement. Final determination of the duty location will be made at the time of the job offer.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Jason Armbruster at jason.armbruster@usda.gov.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

Basic Requirement:
GS-1315

Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- coursework as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Acceptable experience must have included performance of scientific functions related to the study of water resources, based on and requiring a professional knowledge of related sciences and the consistent application of basic scientific principles to the solution of theoretical and practical hydrologic problems. The following is illustrative of acceptable experience: field or laboratory work that would require application of hydrologic theory and related sciences such as geology, geo-chemistry, geophysics, or civil engineering to making observations, taking samples, operating instruments, assembling data from source materials, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings orally and in writing. In some cases, professional scientific experience that is not clearly water resource experience may be acceptable if such experience was preceded by appropriate education in hydrology or by professional hydrology experience.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS-09 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level. SQualifying specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following:
  • Conducted water resource inventories and prepared the data for application into the land management planning process; and/or
  • Implemented water resource improvement project plans and evaluated the impacts on the water resource;
  • Assisted in the preparation of management prescriptions for protecting and/or enhancing the water resource.
OR
A Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree such as Hydrology or LL.B. or J.D., if related.
OR
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
For the GS-11 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following:
  • Collected, analyzed, and interpreted watershed data for input to environmental reports;
  • Participated as a member of interdisciplinary teams working on land management planning; and/or
  • Prepared and carried out water quality monitoring programs, including preparation of plans, collection and analysis of samples, and interpretation of data.
OR
Successfully completed three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (coursework directly related to position being filled such as hydrology, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils).
OR
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.) (coursework directly related to position being filled such as hydrology, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils).
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:See above for education that may be qualifying for the specific grade level.Employment Type: OTHER