Uses physics, like sound waves, gravity, and magnetism, to see what's inside the Earth.
You process seismic data to create 3D pictures of rock layers miles down, or measure tiny gravity changes to find buried ore or caves. Geophysicists work in energy, mining, environmental work, and research.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Bachelor's in geophysics or physics; master's standard for industry.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Geophysics, Physics, Geology.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Growth is for geoscientists overall.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI processes seismic and gravity data much faster; field surveys and interpreting the underground stay human.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Calculus BC, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2042.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.