Oceanographer
How to Become an Oceanographer
Oceanographer Job Details
Skills and Qualities of an Oceanographer
Oceanographer Salary
Influential Professionals in the Oceanographer Field
Leading Oceanographer Organizations
Top Cities for Oceanography Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become an Oceanographer
An oceanographer studies the oceans as a whole to better understand how they and the living creatures in them function together as an eco system. The career of oceanography includes a wide range of jobs such as a marine biologist, engineer, and a zoologist.
A Bachelor's Degree (BA) is required to enter the work force as an oceanographer. A student can obtain a degree in oceanography or take oceanography courses while majoring in a science such as biology, engineering or chemistry.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD or Ph.D.) is required for an oceanographer to be qualified to teach at a college or conduct research within the field.
While in high school, the required courses would include the basic sciences of biology, chemistry and physics as well as mathematics courses such as calculus.
In studying the world's oceans and coastal waters, an oceanographer can choose from several specializations. A physical oceanographer studies the characteristics of the ocean including tides, temperatures, density and salinity. A chemical oceanographer studies the chemical compounds and chemical interactions that occur within an ocean. A geological or geophysical oceanographer studies the topography of the ocean floor. A biological oceanographer or marine biologist studies the migration patterns and distribution of sea life in the ocean.
According to the United States Department of Labor, there were over 31,000 oceanographers working in the United States in 2006.
A Bachelor's Degree (BA) is required to enter the work force as an oceanographer. A student can obtain a degree in oceanography or take oceanography courses while majoring in a science such as biology, engineering or chemistry.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD or Ph.D.) is required for an oceanographer to be qualified to teach at a college or conduct research within the field.
While in high school, the required courses would include the basic sciences of biology, chemistry and physics as well as mathematics courses such as calculus.
In studying the world's oceans and coastal waters, an oceanographer can choose from several specializations. A physical oceanographer studies the characteristics of the ocean including tides, temperatures, density and salinity. A chemical oceanographer studies the chemical compounds and chemical interactions that occur within an ocean. A geological or geophysical oceanographer studies the topography of the ocean floor. A biological oceanographer or marine biologist studies the migration patterns and distribution of sea life in the ocean.
According to the United States Department of Labor, there were over 31,000 oceanographers working in the United States in 2006.
What does an Oceanographer do?
An oceanographer studies the ocean by collecting samples and gathering information by observation and measurement.
As a whole, an oceanographer is usually a certified scuba diver and is familiar with submarine equipment. Diving and exploring in a submarine are used in the seeking of information and sampling process. While at work, an oceanographer will typically spend at least 50% of their time at sea conducting research or surveys.
In addition, the field of oceanography can be somewhat competitive in the science world. Oceanographers sometimes spend many long hours working on a research paper for publication in a scientific journal.
Depending upon the area of specialization chosen, the tasks of an oceanographer will vary. A physical oceanographer would spend time examining how light and sound transmits through water and the atmosphere in relation to the ocean and global climate.
A chemical oceanographer would examine sediments on the ocean floor as well as pollutants in the ocean. A geological oceanographer would assist in the discovery of resources such as natural gas and petroleum. A biological oceanographer would be involved with examining marine plants and animals.
As a whole, an oceanographer is usually a certified scuba diver and is familiar with submarine equipment. Diving and exploring in a submarine are used in the seeking of information and sampling process. While at work, an oceanographer will typically spend at least 50% of their time at sea conducting research or surveys.
In addition, the field of oceanography can be somewhat competitive in the science world. Oceanographers sometimes spend many long hours working on a research paper for publication in a scientific journal.
Depending upon the area of specialization chosen, the tasks of an oceanographer will vary. A physical oceanographer would spend time examining how light and sound transmits through water and the atmosphere in relation to the ocean and global climate.
A chemical oceanographer would examine sediments on the ocean floor as well as pollutants in the ocean. A geological oceanographer would assist in the discovery of resources such as natural gas and petroleum. A biological oceanographer would be involved with examining marine plants and animals.
What skills or qualities do I need to become an Oceanographer?
If you are thinking about becoming an oceanographer, you must possess a genuine interest in the sciences and the environment.
Good communication skills are essential to an oceanographer as they must be able to work individually and as part of a team. Public speaking skills are another asset that an oceanographer must possess.
Oceanographers must be physically fit with good endurance and a strong swimming ability is a must; they should also be willing to become a certified scuba diver. An oceanographer must also be willing and able to travel - sometimes quite extensively.
The ability to speak a foreign language could prove to be very beneficial when traveling to other countries. Also, an oceanographer should be easily adaptable to temperatures as they may travel to areas which have a variety of climatic conditions.
An oceanographer should be inquisitive, persistent, patient, accurate, methodical, and organized and possess a keen attention to detail. Excellent computer and study skills are a must.
The ocean covers almost three quarters of the earth's surface. A career as an oceanographer could be very rewarding as the entire world could benefit from your work and dedication to your field.
Good communication skills are essential to an oceanographer as they must be able to work individually and as part of a team. Public speaking skills are another asset that an oceanographer must possess.
Oceanographers must be physically fit with good endurance and a strong swimming ability is a must; they should also be willing to become a certified scuba diver. An oceanographer must also be willing and able to travel - sometimes quite extensively.
The ability to speak a foreign language could prove to be very beneficial when traveling to other countries. Also, an oceanographer should be easily adaptable to temperatures as they may travel to areas which have a variety of climatic conditions.
An oceanographer should be inquisitive, persistent, patient, accurate, methodical, and organized and possess a keen attention to detail. Excellent computer and study skills are a must.
The ocean covers almost three quarters of the earth's surface. A career as an oceanographer could be very rewarding as the entire world could benefit from your work and dedication to your field.
How much does an Oceanographer make?
An oceanographer, like any other professional, makes different salaries dependent upon their place of employment, geographical area and applicable skills. The median salary for oceanographers in the United States as of May 2006 was $72,660 annually. The middle 50 percent of American oceanographers made between $51,860 and $100,650 in the same year. In 2007, the average salary of an oceanographer employed by the United States Federal government was $93,461.
The maximum annual salary for an oceanographer is $135,950 with such a salary likely to include bonuses and benefits such as social security, 401k, disability, healthcare and pension.
The maximum annual salary for an oceanographer is $135,950 with such a salary likely to include bonuses and benefits such as social security, 401k, disability, healthcare and pension.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
Robert Ballard is a world renowned oceanographer and deep-sea explorer who discovered the wreckage of the Titanic in 1985. Well noted for his work in archaeological oceanography, Dr. Ballard has been on over 120 deep-sea expeditions. Dr. Ballard is also a professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island.
Dr. Sylvia Earle is another world renowned oceanographer and former Chief Scientist of the National Oceanographic and Atmosphere Administration. Dr. Earle has been recognized by the Library of Congress as a Living Legend with having led over 60 worldwide expeditions that involved over 7,000 hours of underwater time. Dr. Earle is currently an Explorer in Residence for the National Geographic Society.
Again, in 2006, there were over 31,000 oceanographers working in the United States with a projected 38,000 by 2016.
Dr. Sylvia Earle is another world renowned oceanographer and former Chief Scientist of the National Oceanographic and Atmosphere Administration. Dr. Earle has been recognized by the Library of Congress as a Living Legend with having led over 60 worldwide expeditions that involved over 7,000 hours of underwater time. Dr. Earle is currently an Explorer in Residence for the National Geographic Society.
Again, in 2006, there were over 31,000 oceanographers working in the United States with a projected 38,000 by 2016.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
The goal of the Oceanography Society, founded in 1988, is to promote research and communication amongst oceanographers worldwide by holding membership meetings and recognizing those who have contributed highly to the field.
The American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) include members from 58 countries including the United States. ASLO has been committed to being the leader in professional organizations for the field of aquatic science for more than 50 years.
The American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) include members from 58 countries including the United States. ASLO has been committed to being the leader in professional organizations for the field of aquatic science for more than 50 years.
What are the top cities for Oceanography jobs?
The states of Florida, California and New York consistently have a high demand for oceanographers while the cities of Monterey, Key Biscayne and Westhampton Beach are hot spots.
Expected to grow faster than average, the number of oceanographers needed between now and 2016 is expected to increase by 22 percent.
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