How to become a Geophysicist

Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the Earth or other planetary bodies, locates materials such as minerals, petroleum and ground water, and detects, monitors and forecasts seismic, magnetic, electrical, geothermal and oceanographic activity.

Main tasks

• Studies, measures and analyses seismic, gravitational, electrical, thermal and magnetic forces, and other physical attributes of the Earth or other planetary bodies
• Designs and improves methods and procedures for geophysical measurement, data collection and data processing
• Plans, analyses and assesses geophysical surveys to assist in locating and understanding water, petroleum and other mineral-bearing sources
• Studies the internal structure of the Earth or other planetary bodies to understand their composition, and predict volcanic and tectonic activity and their associated risks
• Studies the physical conditions and processes of oceans, such as density, temperature, water currents, and the interactions of the atmosphere and the ocean

Ways in

• University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $151,528 a year
• About 14,000 people work in this job group now, and about 16,300 are projected by 2035. (+16.6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Geologist
• Hydrologist
• Botanist
• Entomologist
• Marine Biologist
• Agricultural Consultant

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Geophysicist?

Ways in include: Science degrees.

How much does a Geophysicist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $151,528 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Geophysicist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2035, from about 14,000 to about 16,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Geophysicist?

Usually. 92% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Geophysicist?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04