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Overview
Oceanographers study seas and oceans through physical, chemical and geological research, including waves, tides, seawater composition, seabeds and marine plates.
In job descriptions, look for oceanography, scientific modelling, field work, sample collection, statistical analysis, underwater surveys, research ethics, climate processes, scientific equipment and communication of research results.
Explore this occupation
Search jobsWork context
Oceanographer work is research-centred and often combines desk analysis with field or vessel-based data collection. The subject may be waves, tides, seawater chemistry, climate processes, seabed structures or marine ecosystems. Daily work can include modelling, sample planning, instrument use, data quality checks, scientific writing and collaboration across disciplines.
Skills and specializations
Important skills include applying scientific methods, statistical analysis, field work, sample collection, underwater surveys and communication with non-scientific audiences. Oceanography may specialise in physical, chemical, geological or environmental questions. Knowledge of geology, physics, mathematics, scientific modelling and research methodology gives the work its technical base.
Salary context
Salary context depends on research setting, funding responsibility, field demands and technical depth. Roles that include vessel work, equipment design, grant applications, project leadership or specialist modelling carry different expectations from assistant research posts. Compare contract length, publication responsibility, data ownership, travel and safety demands during field campaigns.
Career paths
Career paths can lead toward research scientist roles, marine environmental consulting, climate research, coastal management, data modelling, teaching, research coordination or project leadership. Development usually depends on reliable data handling, clear methods, publications or reports, field experience and the ability to explain marine evidence to technical and non-technical audiences.
Good to know
When reading vacancies, check which branch of oceanography the role uses and whether work is mostly laboratory, modelling, field survey, vessel work or policy support. Look for instruments, datasets, software, sample types, expected reports and collaborators. Also check funding terms and how safety is managed during offshore or underwater work.
Editorial note
This guide is editorial career context. It is not official labour-market statistics or role-specific salary data.
Where might this occupation occur?
This occupation may occur in several kinds of economic activity. Here are some examples and other occupations that may be found in the same areas.
Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
This is one example. Other occupations in this activity include seismologist, geologist and palaeontologist.
Explore this activityEngineering activities and related technical consultancy
This occupation may also occur in this activity. Other occupations there include geologist, hydrologist and geophysicist.
Explore this activityTechnical testing and analysis
Another possibility is this activity. Other occupations there include geologist, hydrologist and mineralogist.
Explore this activityThese examples offer an overview but do not show every economic activity where the occupation may occur.
About this information
The selection is based on how occupations are connected to economic activities in ESCO and NACE. Only a few examples are shown to make the information easier to use. The occupations were selected because they are close in occupation area and important skills. The examples are not a ranking. They do not show where most people work, where demand is highest, or which occupation is best suited to a particular person.
Map overview
Click the map to search for oceanographer jobs.
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O*NET relationships
No official O*NET relationship is available for this occupation in the current mapping. You can still use the other occupation details.
NACE Rev. 2.1
Economic activities linked to this occupation.
72.1Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering71.12Engineering activities and related technical consultancy71.2Technical testing and analysis
Alternative labels
Occupation group
geologist (2114.1)
Source facts
| ESCO URI | http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/4b759f0e-8fec-4cf5-80d4-d112a9fd4e51 |
|---|---|
| ESCO code | 2114.1.8 |
| ISCO group | 2114 |
| Concept type | Occupation |