Volcanologists may travel internationally to collect field data.
With shooting fire, plumes of billowing smoke and rivers of red hot lava, volcanoes are one of nature's most dramatic and dangerous geological formations. Volcanologists are geoscientists who study these formations. They collect data to try to predict eruptions, advise on protection and evacuation procedures for those living in the vicinity of an active volcano, and analyze any health effects the presence of volcanic smoke and ash may have on local populations.
Average Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies volcanologists alongside their fellow geoscientists, such as seismologists and glaciologists. As of May 2010, the mean annual salary across the professions was reported to be $93,380, which equates to an hourly rate of $44.89. Those in the top 10 percent earned over $160,910, while their colleagues in the bottom 10 percent received less than $43,820.
Salary by Experience
Oregon State University classified volcanologists alongside other geological scientists, and reported a median salary of $37,349 for individuals with less than two years in the field, compared to $83,888 for those with 8 to 10 years of practical experience.
Salary by Location
Location also affects volcanologists' salaries. The BLS listed Oklahoma as the state in which, across all industry sectors, a practitioner was likely to receive the highest pay, with an annual mean of $129,870. Texas and Alaska also werelucrative locales, with respective means of $125,070 and $103,880. In contrast, Colorado was listed at $96,610, while Wyoming had an annual mean of just $67,710.
Salary by Industry
Most volcanologists work for government agencies. The BLS reported the mean annual salary for geoscientists working for the federal executive branch as $95,580, compared to $62,880 at the state government level and $73,990 for those who work as consultants.
Outlook
The BLS predicts that employment opportunities for geoscientists, including volcanologists, will increase by around 18 percent from 2008 to 2018. This compares with projected growth of between 7 and 13 percent for the country as a whole. The natural resources sector, as well as environmental protection will be key sectors for growth. As such, wage levels for the profession should remain reasonably competitive.
Education
Most volcanologists hold a master's or PhD degree. Thus, the first step in the career is to obtain a bachelor's degree. The Cascades Volcano Observatory recommends that candidates emphasise the natural sciences, such as physics, chemistry and geology, in their studies. At postgraduate levels, either during master's or PhD study, candidates will specialize in a volcanology field, such as gas geochemistry or ground deformation.
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