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
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (SOC 19-2042, the closest published occupation to Oceanographer) at a national median of $101,920 per year (mean $116,150), or $49.00 per hour, with 23,470 people employed nationwide. Salario's $72,000 median above is a title-level estimate and is not rescaled to this broader occupation. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
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
Related Science Jobs
Oceanographer Salary FAQ
How much does a Oceanographer make in 2026?
Salario's modeled median salary for a Oceanographer in the United States is $72,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $48,000, while senior professionals earn up to $98,000. Top earners in the field can make $125,000 or more annually. For reference, BLS OEWS May 2025 reports a $101,920 national median for the broader occupation Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (SOC 19-2042).
What education is needed to become a Oceanographer?
A Oceanographer typically requires a Master's/Doctorate with 3-6 years of experience. Key skills include Physical Oceanography, Data Analysis, Remote Sensing. Relevant certifications such as Ph.D. preferred can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Oceanographers?
The job market for Oceanographers is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 3K Oceanographer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 8%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Oceanographers the most?
The highest-paying states for Oceanographers include California, Florida, Oregon. In California, the median salary is approximately $85,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Oceanographer salary?
To increase your Oceanographer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Physical Oceanography and Data Analysis. Pursue certifications such as Ph.D. preferred. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Diego. With 3-6 years of experience, you can progress from $48,000 to $98,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Oceanographer Salary
How we calculate Oceanographer salary data: Oceanographer has no exact BLS occupation. The national median, tiers, state and city figures are Salario estimates for the title; the closest published BLS occupation (Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers, SOC 19-2042) is shown above for reference but is not used to rescale the model because its wage level does not describe this title.
- National median salary: $72,000, Salario estimate (not a BLS value).
- Entry-level ($48,000) and senior-level ($98,000) are Salario tiers; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 3K total positions nationwide (Salario estimate).
- 5-year salary growth: 8% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's/Doctorate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $72,000; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Oceanographer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Oceanographer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Oceanographer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Physical Oceanography, Data Analysis, Remote Sensing), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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