Exploring the ocean: its currents, chemistry, life, and seafloor, from research ships, robots, and submarines.
Top pay: highest pay, longest training
Physical Oceanographer: Studies how ocean currents, waves, and tides move heat and water around the planet. Typical pay $112k.
Ocean Modeler: Builds computer models that forecast ocean currents, storm surge, and sea-level rise. Typical pay $125k.
Metocean Analyst: Predicts winds, waves, and currents for offshore wind farms, oil platforms, and ports. Typical pay $115k.
Marine Geophysicist: Maps the seafloor and the rock beneath it using sound, magnetism and gravity. Typical pay $115k.
Ocean Carbon Removal Scientist: Tests whether the ocean can safely soak up extra carbon dioxide to fight climate change. Typical pay $125k.
Mid pay: solid pay, degree or apprenticeship
Chemical Oceanographer: Studies the chemistry of seawater, including ocean acidification and how the ocean absorbs carbon. Typical pay $100k.
Biological Oceanographer: Studies plankton and ocean life and how they shape the whole ocean ecosystem. Typical pay $90k.
Marine Geologist: Maps and studies the seafloor, underwater volcanoes, and sediments. Typical pay $98k.
Polar Ocean Scientist: Studies sea ice and polar oceans in the Arctic and Antarctica. Typical pay $95k.
Coastal Scientist: Studies beaches, marshes, and coastlines to protect them from erosion and sea-level rise. Typical pay $85k.
Fisheries Oceanographer: Connects ocean conditions to where fish live, so fisheries can be managed sustainably. Typical pay $85k.
Hydrographic Surveyor: Maps the depth and shape of the seafloor so ships can navigate safely. Typical pay $82k.
ROV Pilot: Flies remotely operated underwater robots from a ship to explore, repair, and film the deep sea. Typical pay $78k.
Deep-Sea Submersible Pilot: Pilots crewed submarines that carry scientists to the deep seafloor. Typical pay $85k.
NOAA Corps Officer: Serves in one of the eight US uniformed services, driving NOAA research ships and flying hurricane hunter planes. Typical pay $85k.
Shipboard Marine Technician: Runs the scientific equipment on research ships for visiting scientists. Typical pay $65k.
Paleoceanographer: Reads ancient ocean mud and shells to learn how oceans and climate changed over millions of years. Typical pay $92k.
Sea Ice Analyst: Studies satellite images to map ice on the Arctic and Antarctic oceans and the Great Lakes, so ships and icebreakers can plan safe routes. Typical pay $90k.
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.