Oceanographer Salary in 2026
Study the ocean and its processes including currents, waves, chemistry, and biology.
Median Salary
$72,000
$6,000/mo
Entry Level
$48,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$98,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Oceanographer Overview
Study the ocean and its processes including currents, waves, chemistry, and biology.
Education
Master's/Doctorate
Experience
3-6 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
3K
5-Year Growth
+8%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$34.62/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,000
Oceanographer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Oceanographer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Oceanographer Salary
$81,000
$6,750/month · $3,115/biweekly · $38.94/hr
Oceanographer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Oceanographer field.
Entry-level Oceanographers earn around $48,000, while the top 10% earn $111,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Oceanographers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $85,000 | +$13,000 |
| Hawaii | $83,000 | +$11,000 |
| Massachusetts | $81,000 | +$9,000 |
| Oregon | $74,000 | +$2,000 |
| Florida | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Oceanographers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $81,000 | +$9,000 |
| San Diego | $79,000 | +$7,000 |
| Woods Hole | $78,000 | +$6,000 |
| Miami | $73,000 | +$1,000 |
| Corvallis | $72,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Oceanographer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Oceanographer from entry level to expert.
$48,000
0-2 years
$73,000
3-7 years
$98,000
8-14 years
$125,000
15+ years
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Oceanographer Salary FAQ
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