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Geophysicist vs exploration geologist

The differences between geophysicists and exploration geologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a geophysicist and an exploration geologist. Additionally, an exploration geologist has an average salary of $112,376, which is higher than the $105,067 average annual salary of a geophysicist.

The top three skills for a geophysicist include data collection, geophysical data and C++. The most important skills for an exploration geologist are geochemical, arcgis, and drill holes.

Geophysicist vs exploration geologist overview

GeophysicistExploration Geologist
Yearly salary$105,067$112,376
Hourly rate$50.51$54.03
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs287667
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

What does a geophysicist do?

A Geophysicist studies the Earth's physical properties. They also examine the effects of the atmosphere on radio and satellite communications.

What does an exploration geologist do?

An exploration geologist is an expert in finding mineral deposits that can be extracted using geophysical techniques, such as electromagnetic, gravitational, or seismic methods. They collect samples from test sites to distinguish the depth, quantity, quantity, and type of mineral. They study the earth's structure to predict the locations of natural resources and to plan programs for exploration. They must record all collected data and samples for further analysis and study. They must ensure the accuracy of their forecasts since mistakes in this position are very costly.

Geophysicist vs exploration geologist salary

Geophysicists and exploration geologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

GeophysicistExploration Geologist
Average salary$105,067$112,376
Salary rangeBetween $78,000 And $141,000Between $65,000 And $191,000
Highest paying CityMidland, TXHouston, TX
Highest paying stateTexasTexas
Best paying companyShellContinental Resources
Best paying industryEnergyEnergy

Differences between geophysicist and exploration geologist education

There are a few differences between a geophysicist and an exploration geologist in terms of educational background:

GeophysicistExploration Geologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorGeologyGeology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Geophysicist vs exploration geologist demographics

Here are the differences between geophysicists' and exploration geologists' demographics:

GeophysicistExploration Geologist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 80.6% Female, 19.4%Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 0.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 5.3% White, 82.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 0.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Asian, 4.5% White, 82.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between geophysicist and exploration geologist duties and responsibilities

Geophysicist example responsibilities.

  • Plan, develop, manage and implement geological, geophysical, and geotechnical subsurface investigations.
  • Train and mentore staff to use internally develop methodologies by effective utilization of ProMAX and ProManager software to achieve optimum results.
  • Monitor regulatory compliance (CERCLA, RCRA, RWQCB, MTCA, VCP).
  • Produce field grade and final quality maps utilizing GPS data and integrate geophysical survey data in GIS.
  • Evaluate explosives, nitrates, volatile and semivolatile compounds, and metals contamination at multiple RCRA sites and one CERCLA site.
  • Implement small-scale tests in Matlab.
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Exploration geologist example responsibilities.

  • Develop and/or lead short courses and seminars on eolian sedimentology, the characterization of heterogeneous reservoirs and reservoir management.
  • Create and update maps using ESRI ArcGIS software and maintain a GIS database.
  • Mentore numerous junior staff in GIS, data management, spatial analysis, and presenting papers.
  • Conduct in-depth studies of the sedimentology, stratigraphy, and petrography of sandstone reservoirs base on core analysis.
  • Mentore team on geosteering best practices.
  • Used Petra software for cross-sections and mapping.
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Geophysicist vs exploration geologist skills

Common geophysicist skills
  • Data Collection, 16%
  • Geophysical Data, 9%
  • C++, 8%
  • MATLAB, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
  • Reservoir Characterization, 5%
Common exploration geologist skills
  • Geochemical, 9%
  • ArcGIS, 9%
  • Drill Holes, 7%
  • GIS, 7%
  • RC, 6%
  • Geotechnical, 4%

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