I was reading the IOSH salary survey 2009 to see where I was in the great scheme of things and whilst Im doing ok I feel my renumeration could be better. Does anyone else feel underpaid and over utilised or is this the time to be grateful to have a job at all?

If you read the ever more desparate posts from Iosh members looking for work - I think we should just be gratefull for employment. I have recently completed the Diploma and three years ago could have walked into any number of posts today I am lucky to have a role as a Quality Manager.

After being made redundant in 2009, it took me a year to get back into another H&S role. The salary on offer at the time was about £10k less than I was used to, but in this market, I was happy to grab it. Salary has now improved following me proving my worth, but still not quite back to where I was a couple of years ago. In the current market, if you are relatively happy in your role, in my opinion, it is better to stick it out until things improve. Others may have differing opinions, but for the foreseeable future, this is what I will be doing.

I've recently started in a job that is below what I used to earn. Yes I think I'm worth more but that's not the point is it. At the end of the day I accepted this job on the basis of working for a reportedly good employer that treats staff well in, working an industry that interests me and with working conditions that often allow me the flexibility not to work 9-5. Earning less maybe - but money isn't everything. You need a base line income but above that working conditions count for a lot. I'd rather have both but this is the real world and I have now opted for better working conditions and a lower salary. I've had the slightly higher salary but being treated appallingly and I know which I prefer. I now consider myself lucky to work for a good employer. And I'm not going to compare myself to other professions. Far more worthy professions get paid far less.

Underpaid? Yes. Happy in my work? No. Sound advice is not listened to. By "sound" I mean- Organise the warehouse to keep the FLT away from people. I have given them options on how to do this. Looking for another position? Next year. I am self funding a few quals that I hope will help. Andy

Would be interested to know if the category membership really reflects the average annual salary i.e. the report states Grad Iosh average salary £35.058 is that right ??

Seems a bit light to me! Goes to show that an 'average' will be considerably different depending on location, sector, experience, etc.

I'm pleased to hear you got new employment Claire. :-) I'm well chuffed for you, as you come across as knowledgeable and you're always helpful too. So far, I can't comment on the salary side as mine is a great big 0 at present. Still searching, and still optimistic.