General
Geological And Geophysical Engineering
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Geological And Geophysical Engineering.
Entry Level Salary
$69,344
Median Salary
$100,000
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
23.4%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,000,000
Entry (Early)
$69,344
Median (Prime)
$100,000
High (Prime)
$107,602
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 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
+157k
+405k
+466k
$25k / yr
+67k
+315k
+376k
$50k / yr
-23k
+225k
+286k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
29
25
25
$25k / yr
41
29
28
$50k / yr
Never
34
32
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
62%
290%
346%
$50k / yr
-11%
104%
132%
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).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate37.4%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Civil engineers
16.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,344
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$99,590
openings
23,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%
Physical scientists
6.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$47,823
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$163,795|$92,750
openings
22,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.8%
Engineers, All Other
5.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$61,903
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$106,407|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Human resources workers
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$31,085
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$47,823|$74,220
openings
87,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.8%
Postsecondary teachers
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$31,238
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$45,020|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Management occupations
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$87,789
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$135,060|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Industrial engineers, including health and safety
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$86,132
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$86,132|$101,490
openings
26,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.6%
Software developers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$123,805
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$156,188|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Environmental engineers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$92,031
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$141,586|$104,170
openings
3,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.9%
Architecture and engineering occupations
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$88,491
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$114,776|$97,310
openings
186,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.3%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
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 Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| geological/geophysical engineering. | Bachelor's Degree | 15 | $73,337 - $93,629 |
| geological/geophysical engineering. | Master's Degree | 11 | $93,437 - $102,007 |
| geological/geophysical engineering. | Graduate Certificate | 1 | Data N/A |