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Geophysical Data Technician

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What is a Geophysical Data Technician?

Occupation Description 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.

List of Geophysical Data Technician Job Duties

  • Supervise oil, water, or gas well-drilling activities.
  • Create photographic recordings of information, using equipment.
  • Assemble, maintain, or distribute information for library or record systems.
  • Collect samples or cuttings, using equipment or hand tools.
  • Read and study reports in order to compile information and data for geological and geophysical prospecting.
  • Apply new technologies, such as improved seismic imaging techniques, to locate untapped oil or natural gas deposits.

What a Geophysical Data Technician Should Know

Geophysical Data Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

  • Electrical Logging Operator
  • Exploration Manager
  • Hydrographer
  • Seismograph Recorder
  • Seismic Observer

Job Outlook for Geophysical Data Technicians

In the United States, there were 15,000 jobs for Geophysical Data Technician in 2016. 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.

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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.

Do Geophysical Data Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?

Geophysical Data Technicians make between $28,020 and $108,110 a year.

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Geophysical Data Technicians who work in New Mexico, Alaska, or Kentucky, make the highest salaries.

How much do Geophysical Data Technicians make in each U.S. state?

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 & Technology do Geophysical Data Technicians Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Geophysical Data Technicians may use on a daily basis:

  • 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 or degrees do I need to become a Geophysical Data Technician?

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What work experience do I need to become a Geophysical Data Technician?

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Who Employs Geophysical Data Technicians?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Geophysical Data Technicians employed by various industries.

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Similar Careers

Those interested in being a Geophysical Data Technician may also be interested in:

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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