Oceanographer
Also known as: oceanography research scientist, oceanography science researcher, marine geologist, oceanography analyst, marine research scientist, oceanographers
About this occupation
Oceanographers study and perform research on matters related to the sea and oceans. Oceanographers divide their expertise in four main branches of research which are physical oceanographers whose research focus on waves and tides, chemical oceanographers whose study address the chemical constitution of sea waters, marine biologists whose focal point is the study of living organisms, ecosystems and their interaction underwater, and geological oceanographer whose research refers to the bottom of seas and their plaques.
A specialisation of geologist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- statistics
- geology
- oceanography
- apply scientific methods
- physics
- scientific modelling
- mathematics
- use measurement instruments
- write scientific papers
- scientific research methodology
- operate scientific measuring equipment
- apply statistical analysis techniques
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists (O*NET 19-2099.01). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.
- Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
- Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
- Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
- Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Science
US median pay: US$122,570 a year (2025), 22,300 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyExtremely important (4.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.2)
- Environmental ScienceO*NET: Biology + GeographyVery important (3.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.7)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.6)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.5)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Remote Sensing Technicians
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Aerospace Engineers
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.