Geophysicist
Role lens
Geophysicists study the physical characteristics of the earth and apply physical measurements to geological situations. Geophysicists use the principles of gravity, seismicity and electromagnetics to identify the structure and composition of the earth.
Geophysicists are scientists who apply the principles of physics to study the Earth. Their work involves analyzing data collected from various sources, including seismic waves, gravity measurements, and electromagnetic surveys, to understand the Earth’s composition, structure, and processes. A typical day might involve reviewing field data, running simulations, interpreting results, and collaborating with other scientists and engineers to solve complex geological problems. The role often requires a blend of fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and computational modeling.
- • Conduct geophysical surveys using techniques like seismology, gravity, and electromagnetics.
- • Analyze data to identify subsurface structures, mineral deposits, and potential hazards (e.g., earthquakes, landslides).
- • Develop and apply mathematical models and computer simulations to interpret geophysical data.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Denmark.
Longest-running shortage: Belgium, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
What these words mean
The four things this section reports
- Reported demand
- Whether employers report needing people in this job — a judgement published by a national or EU body, not a count.
- Where it is heading
- Which way employment in this job is expected to move over the coming years, from an official projection.
- Openings
- Roughly how many openings arise — from growth and from people leaving the job.
- Typical pay
- What people in this job typically earn where the source publishes it. Blank does not mean unpaid; it means nobody publishes it for that place.
A measure is left out when nobody publishes it for that place, rather than shown as zero.
Which way the market leans for you
- In your favour
- More openings than people looking — employers are competing for candidates.
- Balanced
- Openings and candidates are roughly matched.
- Competitive
- More people looking than openings — expect to compete.
- Mixed evidence
- Sources disagree, or the same occupation group is short in one part and oversupplied in another.
Every source resolves to one of these four, so there is a single vocabulary to learn. What differs is the evidence behind it, which is printed underneath each verdict — a measured ratio of openings to jobseekers, or an assessment published by a national body.
How this job compares with other jobs in the same country
- Strong
- Among the strongest in that country
- Good
- Stronger than most jobs in that country
- Mixed
- About typical for that country
- Weak
- Weaker than most jobs in that country
This is a rank within one country, not a score you can carry across borders — the registers behind two countries count different people, so the same number means different things in each. It is also why a job can be among the strongest in a country and still show as Competitive: it leads the field in a market that is crowded overall.
Where these come from
Every figure is published by a national statistics office, a public employment service or an EU body, and each card names its source and the period it covers. Some places are counted monthly, others assessed once or twice a year, so two places on the same map can be describing different moments — the date is always shown.
None of this predicts one person’s chances. It describes a market.
Reported demand · Typical pay · Where it is heading (United States, Ireland, Australia, United Kingdom)
| Reported demand | Typical pay | Where it is heading | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Not reported | $101,920 2025-05 | +3.2% 2024–2034 · BLS 2024-2034 |
| Ireland | Not reported | — | +35.5% 2023–2035 · Cedefop 2026 * |
| Australia | Shortage reported Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 * | — | — |
| United Kingdom | Not reported | £53,142 2025-provisional | — |
* Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS)
Source: Office for National Statistics, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Open Government Licence v3.0
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Future Outlook for geophysicist
The outlook for geophysicist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could geophysicist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
Model-based estimate. Use it as a planning signal, not a guarantee.
Compare this to your profile
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- advise on geophysical procedures
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- conduct field work
- operate seismic equipment
- use measurement instruments
Tasks most exposed to automation
- document seismic research
- prepare scientific reports
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Energy & Natural Resources
A typical day as a geophysicist
09 09:00 · Morning prepare scientific reports
10 10:30 · Mid-morning advise on geophysical procedures
12 12:00 · Midday engineer seismic equipment
14 14:00 · Afternoon operate seismic equipment
15 15:30 · Late afternoon conduct field work
17 17:00 · Wrap-up document seismic research
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
What you need to do this work
The skills, knowledge and tools this role calls for — and the traits and rewards that come with it.
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engineer seismic equipment
Develop, try out, adjust and repair seismic equipment.
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document seismic research
Compose seismic related documents and work logs, by compiling charts and reports.
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operate seismic equipment
Move seismic equipment to different locations. Utilise seismometers. Observe recording equipment in order to detect anomalies and irregularities. Process and interpret seismic data both in 2D as in 3D.
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prepare scientific reports
Prepare reports that describe results and processes of scientific or technical research, or assess its progress. These reports help researchers to keep up to date with recent findings.
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use measurement instruments
Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
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conduct field work
Conducts field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
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advise on geophysical procedures
Provide guidance and give specific technical advice on all matters related to geophysical technologies, services, procedures or measurements.
archaeology
The study of the recovery and examination of material culture left behind from human activity in the past.
- geology
- physics
- electrical engineering
- electronics
- geography
Path to become a geophysicist
What it typically takes to qualify: education level, where it is a regulated profession, and where to study.
Bachelor's or equivalent level
269 programmes in 24 countries teach the core skills of this job. Plus 16 short courses that build single skills.
A few examples, taught in the language of this page:
Helsingin yliopisto · Finland
Applied Geophysics (joint degree)
Technische Universiteit Delft · the Netherlands
Oulun yliopisto · Finland
Helsingin yliopisto · Finland
Oulun yliopisto · Finland
Idea College (Prev. Idea Academy) · Malta
These are 6 of 285.
Sources
- 1. Source: Opintopolku.fi (Finnish National Agency for Education)
- 2. Bron: DUO open onderwijsdata
- 3. Source: Malta Qualifications Registry, Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (qualifications.mfhea.gov.mt).
Growth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does geophysicist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
For organisations
The data on this page, working for your students, clients and staff.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of education is required to become a geophysicist?
Are there opportunities for geophysicists outside of traditional oil and gas exploration?
What are the key personal attributes that contribute to success as a geophysicist?
Is there a shortage of Geophysicist in Europe?
How much does Geophysicist pay in the United States?
Sources: ESCO O*NET ELA/EURES Cedefop BLS Data updated October 19, 2026 About our data