Most geoscientists, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, work for architectural, engineering and related services; oil and gas extraction companies; and state and federal government. These scientists include geophysicists, geologists and oceanographers, which the BLS includes together in its salary figures.
Starting Salary
According to the PayScale salary survey website, median starting salary for geophysicists in 2009 is about $57,000, with an increase to $91,000 with 5 years experience.
High-Paying Employers
PayScale shows geophysicists working for oil and gas companies earning a median salary of $110,000 to $113,000, and those working for other energy and utility companies earn about $98,000.
Government Opportunity
The National Association of Colleges and Employers states that in 2007, geophysicists working for the federal government were earning an average of about $100,500, compared to $93,000 for oceanographers and $87,000 for geologists.
Average Salary
According to the BLS, the average salary for all geoscientists in 2008 was about $43 per hour, or $89,000 annually. The top 10 percent were earning over $155,000.
Geography
The highest average salary for geoscientists is in Texas, a state which employs a large number of these workers. Geoscientists there can expect to earn about $124,000 annually. In Bakersfield, Calif., the average geoscientist salary is about $113,000, and in Oklahoma City, Okla., about $108,000.
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