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Geophysicist/field seismologist: Salary and conditions

• Range of typical starting salaries: £22,000 - £25,000 with a first degree and around £24,000 - £30,000 with an MSc/PhD (salary data collected April 09).
• Typical salary at senior level (after about six years), where the post holder is in charge of one or more major projects: £40,000 - £60,000 (salary data collected April 09).
• Salaries vary between industries. Salary levels will be approximately 10% - 30% higher in commercial companies, such as oil service companies.
• In a UK office-based role, hours are generally nine to five, but you will be expected to be flexible. At sea, the working day is 12 hours. You may also be called on during your free time if there is an urgent need. Sea trips typically last for four to six weeks but may take considerably longer or be as short as one day.
• Working arrangements vary between companies and roles. Geophysicists who work in offices and laboratories can expect safe, comfortable working conditions and 40-hour work weeks. Those who are involved in exploration geophysics can expect very different working conditions, which may involve time abroad or at sea followed by a similar length of time on leave and then the same length of time office-based. In an exploration role as a contractor, you can generally expect six weeks on and six weeks off.
• Part-time work is very rare but freelance consultancy or setting up your own consultancy practice are real possibilities, provided you make the right contacts.
• The proportion of men working in the sector is higher than women. Women can join and be represented by the Royal Astronomical Society Committee for Women in Astronomy and Geophysics (RAS CWiAG), www.sstd.rl.ac.uk/rascwiag/.
• Geophysical exploration companies are based across the UK, with a high proportion in Aberdeen and on the south-east coast of England.
• Dress code depends on whether you work in an office or on site.
• Site work will involve extensive absence from home and overseas work and travel as well as high levels of responsibility and stress. There are possibilities for relocation but this very much depends on your career choices and plans.
• The role can involve lots of travel working abroad or at sea depending on whether you work in exploration or laboratories and academia.

AGCAS

Written by Myrto Kalle, LSE

Last updated:

May 2009

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