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Geological And Geophysical Engineering

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Geological And Geophysical Engineering.

Entry Level Salary
$66,910
Median Salary
$102,938
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
22.7%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $4,117,520
Entry (Early)
$66,910
Median (Prime)
$102,938
High (Prime)
$122,808

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+139k
+431k
+590k
$25k / yr
+49k
+341k
+500k
$50k / yr
-41k
+251k
+410k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
30
25
24
$25k / yr
44
29
27
$50k / yr
Never
33
30

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
45%
314%
460%
$50k / yr
-19%
115%
189%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate39.4%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Civil engineers

17.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$75,029
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$108,085|$100,840
openings
22,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%

Physical scientists

6.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$133,000|$96,290
openings
19,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.7%

Engineers, All Other

5.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$63,721
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$123,525|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Computer and information systems managers

2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$97,500
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$150,000|$175,140
openings
53,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%

Industrial engineers, including health and safety

2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$88,662
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$88,662|$102,670
openings
24,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +12%

Management occupations

2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$90,368
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$139,028|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Software developers

2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$127,442
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$173,785|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Environmental engineers

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$97,500
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$150,000|$107,110
openings
2,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.3%

Postsecondary teachers

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$32,155
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$52,136|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,295
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$20,588|$48,520
openings
113,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -3.7%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
geological/geophysical engineering.Bachelor's Degree14$73,337 - $93,629
geological/geophysical engineering.Master's Degree11$93,437 - $102,007
geological/geophysical engineering.Graduate Certificate1$106,770 - $106,770