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Geophysicist vs geological specialist

The differences between geophysicists and geological specialists 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 geological specialist. Additionally, a geophysicist has an average salary of $105,067, which is higher than the $63,259 average annual salary of a geological specialist.

The top three skills for a geophysicist include data collection, geophysical data and C++. The most important skills for a geological specialist are GIS, technical support, and meeting materials.

Geophysicist vs geological specialist overview

GeophysicistGeological Specialist
Yearly salary$105,067$63,259
Hourly rate$50.51$30.41
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs28719,801
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

Geophysicist vs geological specialist salary

Geophysicists and geological specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

GeophysicistGeological Specialist
Average salary$105,067$63,259
Salary rangeBetween $78,000 And $141,000Between $39,000 And $101,000
Highest paying CityMidland, TX-
Highest paying stateTexas-
Best paying companyShell-
Best paying industryEnergy-

Differences between geophysicist and geological specialist education

There are a few differences between a geophysicist and a geological specialist in terms of educational background:

GeophysicistGeological Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorGeologyGeology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Geophysicist vs geological specialist demographics

Here are the differences between geophysicists' and geological specialists' demographics:

GeophysicistGeological Specialist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 80.6% Female, 19.4%Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%
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, 0.5% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 86.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between geophysicist and geological specialist 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.
  • Show more

Geological specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the sites NPDES permit program to ensure compliance with DMR reporting and storm water sampling.
  • Provide data analysis and mapping services using state-of-the-art GIS computer systems.
  • Train employees on GIS use.
  • Archive all data associate with SMT, and Geographix.
  • Conduct research using online federal regulations, review Medicare and Medicaid policy and guidelines to complete an accurate and well-support decision.
  • Maintain department SharePoint site including site administration.

Geophysicist vs geological specialist skills

Common geophysicist skills
  • Data Collection, 16%
  • Geophysical Data, 9%
  • C++, 8%
  • MATLAB, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
  • Reservoir Characterization, 5%
Common geological specialist skills
  • GIS, 41%
  • Technical Support, 30%
  • Meeting Materials, 29%

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