Here, we present a selection of statistics we collected this year that characterize this year’s salary survey.
The annual Spectroscopy salary survey investigated spectroscopy employment markets in 2018, and for the first time ever average salaries broke the $90,000 mark which represented a 7.6% increase ¾ the largest single increase ever recorded. These gains bring the average salary results back to the levels recorded in 2013–2014 and are potentially a sign that the spectroscopy market has finally recovered from the global financial crisis.
Once again, the majority of respondents indicated their stress levels and workloads have increased. However, this year the effect of increased stress and workloads has translated into a drop in those stating they are highly satisfied with their careers. A drop was also seen in those who believe they receive fair monetary recognition for their work which likely contributed to the changes in career satisfaction. 13.1% of respondents took matters into their own hands in this regard and took on additional work to shore up their incomes.
Below is a selection of statistics we collected this year that characterize this year’s salary survey.
Salaries by Employment Field and Gender
The average salary for 2018 was $91,129, a 7.6% increase from the 2017 survey ($84,718).
Within the three major employer types, average salaries varied greatly. Respondents with roles in industry had the highest average salary of $98,462, while government employees had an average salary of $80,363, and academics an average of $73,481.
Male employees also continued to earn more. Average salaries for males were 23% higher than those of female employees.
Workload, Stress, and Job Satisfaction
We asked respondents to indicate whether their workloads and stress levels had increased compared to the previous year, and how this has affected their job satisfaction.
Regional Variation in the United States
Location dramatically affects your earning potential and for spectroscopists in the US the difference in average salary can be as great as $20,000. This year, differences in regional salaries saw some interesting changes: salaries in the Northeast ($107,313) rebounded following last years’ drop. The Southeast experienced the dramatic drop going from the highest to lowest average salary in 2018, perhaps indicating inconsistency in that market ($84,000). The Midwest ($88,940) saw steady growth and maintained its position as the middle ground as did the Northwest ($92,381). Lastly, the Southwest experienced a further reduction of 7.1% in average salary compared to 2017 with an average salary of $84,132.
Gender Gap
Figures comparing male and female salaries maintained the status quo with male salaries eclipsing female salaries across all categories, including employer type, management versus non-management, and education level.
Sexual Harassment
Carrying on from last year, our survey took a brief look at sexual harassment in the spectroscopic community and employment market. A selection of figures on sexual harassment are shown below:
Click here to read the full report about the 2018 Salary Survey.
Exoplanet Discovery Using Spectroscopy
March 26th 2025Recent advancements in exoplanet detection, including high-resolution spectroscopy, adaptive optics, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data analysis, are significantly improving our ability to identify and study distant planets. These developments mark a turning point in the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system.
Using Spectroscopy to Reveal the Secrets of Space
March 25th 2025Scientists are using advanced spectroscopic techniques to probe the universe, uncovering vital insights about celestial objects. A new study by Diriba Gonfa Tolasa of Assosa University, Ethiopia, highlights how atomic and molecular physics contribute to astrophysical discoveries, shaping our understanding of stars, galaxies, and even the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
New Telescope Technique Expands Exoplanet Atmosphere Spectroscopic Studies
March 24th 2025Astronomers have made a significant leap in the study of exoplanet atmospheres with a new ground-based spectroscopic technique that rivals space-based observations in precision. Using the Exoplanet Transmission Spectroscopy Imager (ETSI) at McDonald Observatory in Texas, researchers have analyzed 21 exoplanet atmospheres, demonstrating that ground-based telescopes can now provide cost-effective reconnaissance for future high-precision studies with facilities like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) (1-3).