11 of the Best Types of Geophysicist Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Geophysicist jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Geophysicist Jobs

• Entry Level Geophysicist

  Salary range: $70,000 - $112,000

  To become an entry-level geophysicist, you need a bachelor’s degree in geoscience, geophysics, or a related field. Some obtain an entry-level position while completing a master's degree or doctorate. Taking classes in geology, math, environmental planning, geography, and landscapes provide you with the qualifications you need to handle geophysicist responsibilities. You must be familiar with tectonic and geological systems, know real-world applications, understand how to collect and study field samples, and be comfortable working in various weather and environmental conditions. To be successful in this career, you need analytical thinking, organizational skills for recording data, and interpersonal skills when communicating with senior geophysicists and other scientists.

• Freelance Geophysicist

  Salary range: $70,000 - $112,000

  Freelancers are self-employed. As a freelancer, you provide work to clients and invoice them for it. The type of clients you have depends on what kind of services you offer. Your clients can be individuals or companies. A full-time freelancer often has assignments from multiple clients at once. Some common services that people provide as freelancers are: writing, editing, graphic design, web design, marketing, programming, accounting, and bookkeeping. Freelancing is ideal for those who prefer to be their own boss and are willing to market themselves to meet their income goals.

• Manager Geophysicist

  Salary range: $70,000 - $112,000

  Managers supervise a team of people; they establish goals, assign tasks, and measure progress. The specific responsibilities of someone in a management position will vary based on the company and industry they work in, but their primary responsibilities remain largely the same. Managers monitor the accomplishments of their staff, focusing on the overall goals of the department. They work with Human Resources to determine and address staffing needs, coordinate and delegate responsibilities, check employee performance, and provide additional training and direction when necessary.

• From Home Geophysicist

  Salary range: $70,000 - $112,000

  From Home Geophysicist is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for From Home Geophysicist jobs pay between $70,000 (25th percentile) and $112,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for From Home Geophysicist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Locum Geophysicist

  Salary range: $70,000 - $112,000

  Locum Geophysicist is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Locum Geophysicist jobs pay between $70,000 (25th percentile) and $112,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Locum Geophysicist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Temporary Geophysicist

  Salary range: $70,000 - $112,000

  A Temporary job is an employment arrangement in which both parties, the employee and employer, agree in advance that the position will be filled for a set period. Temporary jobs often are based on employers’ seasonal or specific project needs. Occasionally, Temporary employees will be offered ongoing, full-time positions if their performance is excellent and a position is available. However, you should not assume this will be the case.

• Full Time Geophysicist

  Salary range: $70,000 - $112,000

  Full-time employment hours are generally determined by the employer. There is no single universal definition; however, various laws and policies govern different types of eligibility and statuses. For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act does not define full-time employment but does require overtime pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek for non-exempt employees. The Affordable Care Act, in determining Applicable Large Employers, defines full-time employees as those working an average of at least 30 hours per week, or 130 hours a month. The H-1B Visa Program defines full-time as 40 hours per week, normally, and in no event would less than 35 hours per week be considered to be full-time employment. In practice, full-time employment is typically between 32 and 40 hours per week.

• Internship Geophysicist

  Salary range: $70,000 - $112,000

  An Internship is a position within your desired field that pays little or no money but offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. This may set you apart for your future job search. Generally, Internships are almost expected by employers on an entry-level candidate’s resume. You are much more of an asset to an employer if you have some work experience.

• Senior Geophysicist

  Salary range: $41,500 - $103,000

  Senior Geophysicist is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Senior Geophysicist jobs pay between $41,500 (25th percentile) and $103,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Senior Geophysicist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Junior Geophysicist

  Salary range: $36,000 - $57,500

  Junior Geophysicist is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Junior Geophysicist jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $57,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Junior Geophysicist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Trainee Geophysicist

  Salary range: $33,000 - $51,000

  The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.