Geophysicist

A geophysicist applies physics principles and specialised instrumentation to investigate the Earth's physical properties, structure, and subsurface composition. In Australian mineral exploration, petroleum, groundwater, and environmental assessment contexts, they design and conduct geophysical surveys, process and interpret data, and produce technical reports that guide drilling programmes and resource development decisions.

Design geophysical survey programmes using seismic, gravitational, magnetic, electromagnetic, and resistivity methods appropriate to exploration or assessment objectives. Operate and maintain geophysical instruments including magnetometers, gravimeters, seismometers, GPR units, and electromagnetic systems in field settings. Acquire subsurface data using reflection and refraction seismic techniques, logging while drilling (LWD), and borehole geophysics. Process raw geophysical data using industry software such as Geosoft Montaj, ProMAX, Kingdom Suite, and Schlumberger Petrel to remove noise and enhance signal. Interpret seismic sections, gravity and magnetic anomalies, and well logs to identify lithology, structural geometry, and fluid-filled formations. Construct 2D and 3D subsurface models integrating seismic interpretation, well correlation, and petrophysical data. Estimate resource quantities and confidence levels for mineral or petroleum prospects using seismic-constrained volumetric methods. Assess groundwater aquifer geometry, depth, and yield using surface geophysics and borehole methods for water resource evaluation.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll need a strong physics and maths background to learn the theory properly: most career changers struggle with the technical depth. Jobs depend entirely on mining and oil cycles, so you could be laid off fast when exploration budgets dry up. Field work is often remote, uncomfortable, and unpredictable.

Regional areas around mining zones have steady demand. Remote work is uncommon: you go where the survey is.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2344, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Microsoft Excel Data Managementcore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Report Writingcore
• Reporting and Analyticscore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Active Listening
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Power BI Reporting and Dashboards
• Process Documentation
• Record Management
• Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
• Time Management and Prioritisation
• Workload Self-Management

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026