Studies how ocean currents, chemistry, and life work together across the whole sea.
Deploys robotic floats that drift for years measuring plankton, then analyzes satellite images of ocean color to map algae blooms.
Estimate; BLS geoscientists median ~$92k.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in oceanography or marine science.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Oceanography, Marine Biology, Physics.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). Estimate.
Medium risk for 10 years. Robotic floats and AI satellite analysis do more of the sampling and mapping; designing studies and cruises stays human.
Classes: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2042.
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