Geophysicists work with architects in earthquake prone locations.
Physics is the study of movement and force. Geophysicists investigate these phenomena within the physical aspects of the Earth, including the atmosphere, magnetic fields, water sources and geological shifts such as plate tectonics. They use principles from the physical sciences and mathematics to extend knowledge of the planet and to solve particular problems, including the extraction of natural resources and the effect of climate change. Salary levels for the role vary and are dependent upon the workplace location and employer.
Average Salary
As part of its employment survey conducted in May 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics categorized geophysicists alongside their fellow geoscientists, such as stratigraphers, geodesists and volcanologists. It calculated that the average yearly wage across the classification was $93,380. Synthesized from pay data supplied by over 30,000 individuals working across the nation, this is equivalent to $7,782 per month and $44.89 an hour. In June 2011, salary analysis website Indeed.com listed the average annual wage for a geophysicist specifically as $101,000.
Salary by Industry
The bureau's survey revealed that for geophysicists, as for other geoscientists, the largest employment sectors of the industry were architectural, engineering and related services, and oil and gas extraction. The bureau listed the average annual wages within these sectors as $80,460 and $132,210, respectively. Practitioners working within support activities for mining earned an average of $106,380, while those employed as consultants received $73,990. Other individuals work for government agencies, such as research and regulatory bodies. At federal level the average pay rate was given as $95,580, while at state level the average was $62,880.
Salary by Geography
The Economic Research Institute published the results of a survey of geophysicist salaries in some major cities. At the time of publication, wage levels were highest in Los Angeles and New York , averaging $88,657 and $84,866, respectively. Salaries were comparable between Chicago and Houston -- $80,741 and $80,451, respectively -- while Orlando, Fla., had amongst the lowest averages at $72,958. The bureau reported that geoscientist salaries were highest in Oklahoma, averaging $129,870. Texas and Alaska completed the top three states, at $125,070 and $103,880, respectively, while Pennsylvania was listed at just $67,860.
Prospects
The bureau expects the employment market for geoscientists of all kinds, including geophysicists, to grow by around 18 percent over the decade from 2008 to 2018. This is faster than the growth rate predicted for the entire country, estimated at between 7 and 13 percent through 2018. The increased emphasis on environmental protection, land management and the responsible use of natural resources will spur this growth. This should mean that geophysicists will continue to be well-compensated for their services.
Tags: average annual, level average, listed average, listed average annual, natural resources, respectively while, that geophysicists