Also called: Federal Ocean Scientist
Works for NOAA on ocean forecasts, tides, fisheries data, or ocean observing.
Federal ocean scientists might manage a network of buoys, improve tide predictions, or turn research into public tools and forecasts.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Bachelor's or master's in oceanography, physics, or a related science.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Oceanography, Physics, Atmospheric Science, Geography.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. Automated processing and AI forecasts take over routine data work; scientific oversight and public products stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2099.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.