Studies plankton and ocean life and how they shape the whole ocean ecosystem.
You tow nets behind a research ship, count tiny plankton under microscopes, and use satellites to track algae blooms.
Based on zoologists and wildlife biologists and research salaries.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in oceanography or marine biology.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Oceanography, Marine Biology, Ecology.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Imaging instruments and AI now count plankton; net tows, cruises and ecosystem research stay human.
Classes: AP Biology, Earth science, Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1023.
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.