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The differences between geophysicists and geoscientists 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 geoscientist. Additionally, a geoscientist has an average salary of $110,629, 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 geoscientist are seismic data, oil gas, and data collection.
| Geophysicist | Geoscientist | |
| Yearly salary | $105,067 | $110,629 |
| Hourly rate | $50.51 | $53.19 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 287 | 302 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A Geophysicist studies the Earth's physical properties. They also examine the effects of the atmosphere on radio and satellite communications.
A geoscientist specializes in studying geosciences and performing research and analysis. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around crafting research plans, conducting field mapping and studies to examine geological structures, gathering samples, obtaining photographic evidence, and conducting different experiments and scientific studies. As a geoscientist, it is essential to maintain an extensive record of data, summarize results in reports and presentations, and collaborate with different scientists. They may publish their studies in various publications, utilize them for other projects and programs, or raise public awareness.
Geophysicists and geoscientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Geophysicist | Geoscientist | |
| Average salary | $105,067 | $110,629 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $141,000 | Between $79,000 And $154,000 |
| Highest paying City | Midland, TX | Midland, TX |
| Highest paying state | Texas | Texas |
| Best paying company | Shell | Shell |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between a geophysicist and a geoscientist in terms of educational background:
| Geophysicist | Geoscientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Geology | Geology |
| Most common college | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between geophysicists' and geoscientists' demographics:
| Geophysicist | Geoscientist | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.6% Female, 19.4% | Male, 76.0% Female, 24.0% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 5.7% White, 81.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |