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Geophysicist vs field geologist

The differences between geophysicists and field 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 a field geologist. Additionally, a field geologist has an average salary of $109,947, 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 a field geologist are data collection, geotechnical, and well design.

Geophysicist vs field geologist overview

GeophysicistField Geologist
Yearly salary$105,067$109,947
Hourly rate$50.51$52.86
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs28745,359
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 83%
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 a field geologist do?

A Field Geologist is specialized in a certain field of geology, such as minerology, paleontology, or geotechnology. They study the earth's crust to obtain an accurate picture of its structure, history, and composition.

Geophysicist vs field geologist salary

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

GeophysicistField Geologist
Average salary$105,067$109,947
Salary rangeBetween $78,000 And $141,000Between $65,000 And $185,000
Highest paying CityMidland, TX-
Highest paying stateTexas-
Best paying companyShell-
Best paying industryEnergy-

Differences between geophysicist and field geologist education

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

GeophysicistField Geologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 83%
Most common majorGeologyGeology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Geophysicist vs field geologist demographics

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

GeophysicistField Geologist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 80.6% Female, 19.4%Male, 81.2% Female, 18.8%
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, 6.3% Asian, 5.5% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between geophysicist and field 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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Field geologist example responsibilities.

  • Establish an LLC and learned the fundamentals of running and managing a small business.
  • Prepare maps by positioning and plotting GPS points from localities find onto current geological maps.
  • Collect soil and rock samples and classify according to ASTM national guidelines.
  • Rely upon to handle geological rock samples classification and description with ASTM standards.
  • Interpret rate of penetration, gas data, and MWD gamma data to call formation tops.
  • Work in a team with geologists, MWD loggers, drillers, engineers, and practice safety procedures.
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Geophysicist vs field geologist skills

Common geophysicist skills
  • Data Collection, 16%
  • Geophysical Data, 9%
  • C++, 8%
  • MATLAB, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
  • Reservoir Characterization, 5%
Common field geologist skills
  • Data Collection, 11%
  • Geotechnical, 9%
  • Well Design, 7%
  • Site Assessments, 6%
  • Water Samples, 6%
  • Technical Reports, 5%

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