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
Related Science Jobs
Oceanographer Salary FAQ
How much does a Oceanographer make in 2026?
The 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.
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: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $72,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Oceanographer in the Science sector.
- Entry-level ($48,000) and senior-level ($98,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 3K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 8% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Science sector wages.
- Education requirement: Master's/Doctorate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $72,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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