Oceanographer
Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.
Median salary
$78,000/yr
Typical range
$55,000 – $108,000
Education
Master's degree
Time to entry
About 6 years (bachelor's + ~2-year master's)
What a Oceanographer does
Researches the physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of the ocean to understand marine ecosystems and climate interactions.
Education & path
The typical entry point is a master's degree. About 6 years (bachelor's + ~2-year master's).
Estimated cost of that path: ~$70,000. Estimated payback: ~4 years. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.
Related careers
- AI Research Scientist — $165,000/yr
- Environmental Compliance Specialist — $72,000/yr
- Biochemist — $102,000/yr
- Clinical Research Associate — $80,000/yr
- Environmental Scientist — $73,000/yr
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