All About Geophysical Data Technicians
Example of Geophysical Data Technician Job Measure, record, or evaluate geological data, using sonic, electronic, electrical, seismic, or gravity-measuring instruments to prospect for oil or gas. May collect or evaluate core samples or cuttings.
What Do Geophysical Data Technicians Do On a Daily Basis?
- Measure geological characteristics used in prospecting for oil or gas, using measuring instruments.
- Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
- Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
- Record readings in order to compile data used in prospecting for oil or gas.
- Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.
- Conduct geophysical surveys of potential sites for wind farms or solar installations to determine their suitability.
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What Every Geophysical Data Technician Should Know
These are the skills Geophysical Data Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Related Job Titles
- Oil Scout
- Oil Well Directional Surveyor
- Seismograph Operator
- Geospatial Technician
- Electrical Prospecting Observer
Geophysical Data Technician Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 15,000 jobs in the United States for Geophysical Data Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 16% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,400 new jobs for Geophysical Data Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,900 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Geophysical Data Technician are Wyoming, North Carolina, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Kentucky, West Virginia, or New Hampshire. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Geophysical Data Technician
The typical yearly salary for Geophysical Data Technicians is somewhere between $28,020 and $108,110.

Geophysical Data Technicians who work in New Mexico, Alaska, or Kentucky, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Geophysical Data Technicians in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $52,180 |
Alaska | $76,650 |
Arizona | $45,350 |
Arkansas | $45,670 |
California | $52,900 |
Florida | $39,930 |
Georgia | $64,110 |
Idaho | $40,750 |
Illinois | $39,500 |
Indiana | $60,210 |
Kansas | $48,530 |
Kentucky | $64,540 |
Louisiana | $64,640 |
Maryland | $50,230 |
Massachusetts | $62,840 |
Michigan | $50,010 |
Minnesota | $55,610 |
Mississippi | $52,570 |
Missouri | $49,620 |
Montana | $61,730 |
Nebraska | $66,470 |
Nevada | $56,330 |
New Mexico | $90,010 |
New York | $54,920 |
North Dakota | $60,050 |
Ohio | $49,660 |
Oklahoma | $55,580 |
Pennsylvania | $49,190 |
South Carolina | $51,610 |
Tennessee | $54,600 |
Texas | $66,760 |
Utah | $51,400 |
Virginia | $46,460 |
Washington | $53,840 |
West Virginia | $57,350 |
Wyoming | $59,410 |
What Tools do Geophysical Data Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Geophysical Data Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Database software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
- Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Golden Software Surfer
- Geographic resources analysis support system GRASS
- Landmark GeoGraphix
- IHS PETRA
- Clark Labs IDRISI Andes
- Seismic Micro-Technology KINGDOM
- Parallel Geoscience SPW
Becoming a Geophysical Data Technician
What education is needed to be a Geophysical Data Technician?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Geophysical Data Technicians Work

Below are examples of industries where Geophysical Data Technicians work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Geophysical Data Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Geophysical Data Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Jeffrey Beall via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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