Geophysicists

Employers

Approximately 26,000 geoscientists (including geophysicists) and 6,500 hydrologists are employed in the United States. About 33 percent of these professionals work in California and Texas. Geophysicists are employed primarily by the petroleum industry, mining companies, exploration and consulting firms, and research institutions. Some geophysicists work as consultants, offering their services on a fee or contract basis. Many work for the federal government, mainly the National Geodetic Survey, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Naval Oceanographic Office. Other geophysicists pursue teaching careers.

Starting Out

Most college career services offices are prepared to help students locate positions in business, industry, and government agencies and provide helpful information on career paths in geophysics. Other job contacts can be made through professors, friends, and relatives. Some companies visit college campuses in the spring of each year to interview candidates who are interested in positions as geophysicists. Additionally, some associations, such as the Seismological Society of America, offer job listings at their Web sites.

If you seek employment in the federal government you will have to take a civil service examination and be able to meet other specified requirements. Visit https://www.usajobs.gov for job opportunities with the federal government.