Occupation
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study the physics, chemistry, geology, and biology of the sea and how those systems interact. Fieldwork can mean extended time at sea deploying and recovering instruments in demanding conditions, followed by long stretches of data processing ashore. Specialisms differ sharply, so a physical oceanographer and a biological one share methods more than subject matter.
Also known as: Marine scientist · Physical oceanographer · Ocean data scientist
Occupation content
Part of Natural sciences and research
What the work involves
- Plan survey cruises and prepare moorings, floats, gliders, or sampling gear
- Deploy and recover instruments and troubleshoot failures at sea
- Quality-control long time series and correct for sensor drift and gaps
- Model circulation, sediment transport, or ecosystem processes
- Interpret results alongside satellite and historical datasets
- Write up findings for journals, funders, or marine planning and regulatory bodies
How people commonly enter
- A degree in oceanography, marine science, physics, or a related earth science
- A research postgraduate qualification, which is common for lead research roles
- Marine technician or survey crew roles as a practical entry point
- Graduate or placement schemes with research institutes, hydrographic offices, or survey companies
Typical training: Postgraduate or professional degree
Licensing: Not typically licensed
Typical work context
Outdoors · Involves travel · Team based · Desk based · Physically active · Varied work
Related interests
Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Natural sciences and research.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — occupation search: oceanographer · International
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- UK National Careers Service — Oceanographer · United Kingdom
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- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Geoscientists · United States
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Natural sciences and research in Canada, not a figure for Oceanographer. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
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Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: education pathways
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Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: licensing
Find jobs
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- Search Canada Job Bank · Canada
- Search USAJOBS · United States federal
- Search EURES · European Union / EEA
- Search Indeed · International (choose location on Indeed)