I have a PhD in engineering. Have been with Oxy/APC for two years as an entry level engineer (not staff). I think I’m underpaid. Different websites support this.
Now that layoffs are here, what do you think a fair salary should be for me in case I move to another place?
Your sincere feedback is highly appreciated.
Thanks and good luck to everyone!
20 replies (most recent on top)
Maybe a good time for you to go. Another wave of layoffs is coming soon anyways.
$95k? id–t. Should be 50% more than that.
you need get at least 200K!
Thanks everyone for your comments! I appreciate it.
Yes I’m still here. BTW, I’m making $95k a year.
Agree with this 1000%
Just be patient. You will find your way. To give you a number, I’d say $140k’sh.
https://twitter.com/TheLayoff/status/1214666354663579648
Survived?
Don’t listen to these frustrating comments. You’ll find your way. I had a PhD when I was young. They basically use fresh PhDs in our industry in general. Education is very important unlike what these “experienced” baby boomers say. You have a different way of thinking than the majority of other people including the experienced ones if you learnt the main skills from your education.
Just be patient. You will find your way. To give you a number, I’d say $140k’sh.
If you are not laid off this week or next, then you should stay with Oxy and get more experience. PhD or not the O&G business is all about experience and not schooling. The O&G business is going through some hard times and companies are losing money and going bankrupt. Do you realize how many companies are doing layoffs and how flooded the job market will be with engineers and geologists for the next year? Get involved with your company and grow some experience and skills that you never learned in school then look for a new job.
Classic millennial. They always start every conversation with what degree they have.
Here’s a combined answer that fits different numbers:
- 21ui: Around $160,000 annually.
- 1eid: $37,987.54 quarterly ($151,950 annually).
- 2pmt: $5123.99 biweekly ($133,224 annually).
I think $150,000 is a fair annual salary.
Around $160,000 annually.
$5123.99
$37,987.54
How good are you at your job? Are you asked to assist or spearhead special projects regularly? I have a masters but I am self aware to realize that there are people with bachelor’s working along side me that are just as sharp and maybe more passionate than me when it comes to the work we are doing.
Geez, must be a millennial who posted this question.
Those that grow the numbers of beans get paid more than those that count or watch the beans. Question is which one are you?
An entry level engineer with a PhD? FFS...
You should have studied economics
I agree with -fyc and would suggest to avoid a mental trap that PhD entitles you to higher salary. It comes down to business bottom line contributions in a perfect world. In real world other factors, not so fair seemingly come in place along with your determination and confidence to search for a better match.
Pay differentials in early career can be more detrimental long-term but do consider the whole package, growth, opportunities, team members and decide. If you do get a better offer don't allow counter offer from current employer, move on.
The layoffs will be over before you can land another job, so that isn’t much of a factor. If you feel you are underpaid, by all means go and interview. You are worth exactly what the highest bidder will pay you, no more, no less. There’s only one way to figure that out. Go interview. You can always decline an offer. As for your salary grade, there is a lot of overlap between pay grades, so it’s hard to say if your comp is fair. The market will dictate what you should be paid. Go find out.