Also called: Geophysical Interpreter
Reads 3D sound-wave images of the underground to map rock layers, faults and places to store carbon or drill.
You scroll through a 3D seismic "cube" on a big screen, tracing rock layers and faults by hand and with software. Then you present maps that decide where a company spends millions.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's in geophysics or geology.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Geophysics, Geology.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Geoscientists overall.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI now auto-traces faults and rock layers in 3D seismic; fewer interpreters needed per project.
Classes: Earth science, AP Physics, Geometry.
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.