Oceanographers comprise a wide range of scientific specialists.
Oceanographers are scientists that study a wide range of fields. Traditionally, oceanography is the study of the seas, but today, oceanographers study the functions of our ecosystem and the sea's chemical compositions. Oceanography includes marine biology, geology and geophysical study of the oceans and surrounding land. Securing a job as an oceanographer requires extensive education and training, but the salaries for these positions are usually competitive.
Oceanography and Education
Oceanography incorporates a variety of scientific fields, including biology, meteorology, and geology, among others. Oceanographers, therefore, can have a variety of scientific educational backgrounds. Marine biologists study plants and animals that inhabit bodies of water. Chemical oceanographers study water and ocean floor chemical compositions. Marine geologists and geophysicists study rock formations beneath the sea floor and minerals in sea bed. Each field requires at least a bachelor's degree, though most oceanographers have advanced degrees and usually a doctorate in a specific field.
Teaching
Part of many oceanographers' jobs is to teach at colleges and universities, while also conducting research. It is common for scientists to hold teaching jobs at universities that provide funding and facilities for scientific research. Oceanographers and marine biologists may also use students as research assistants in the field.
Research
Oceanographers may work for the government or private companies. Their primary job is in research, either at sea or near other bodies of water. An oceanographer’s findings directly benefit the hiring body. Examples of types of research performed by oceanographers are testing for sources of fuel and minerals in the sea, plants used for medical research, and information about the sea for building and shipping projects.
Travel
Work as an oceanographer may require extensive travel. If a research job requires an oceanographer to study certain aspects of the sea, she may have to travel away from home for extended periods of time during which she conducts her research. Oceanographers may have to live on boats in small quarters, especially if the research is in deep water or water far from land.
Salary
The salary for oceanographers varies greatly depending on the field, level of experience and whether an oceanographer works in the public or private sector. According to Ocean Careers and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2006, the average salary for an oceanographer is $77,890. Oceanographers working in the private sector, however, can earn over $100,000, especially when factoring in benefits.
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