If you are interested in the biology, chemistry and geological aspects of the ocean, a job as an oceanographer may be the best career path for you. Besides the traveling to exotic locations and studying fascinating ocean-related topics, oceanographers can earn good salaries. Oceanographers' salaries vary widely, often from around $40,000 per year to over $160,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2010.
Starting Salary
Oceanographers typically earn at the lower end of the occupation's salary range in their first years on the job. The BLS reports that, as of May 2010, the 10th percentile earned up to $43,820 per year, or $21.07 per hour. The 25th percentile made up to $57,820 annually or $27.80 per hour. The median annual salary was $82,500, or $39.66 per hour.
Upper Salary Range
Some oceanographers earn more than $100,000 per year. The 75th percentile made up to $115,460 per year or $55.51 per hour, according to the BLS as of May 2010, and the 90th percentile made at least $160,910 per year or $77.36 per hour.
Education
A bachelor's degree is the minimum degree needed to work in the field of oceanography. Employers typically prefer at least a master's degree, and university teaching positions and research positions are usually only open to those with doctorates.
Prospects
The employment of geoscientists, including oceanographers, is expected to increase 18 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the BLS. Competition for research and teaching positions will likely be stiff for Ph.D. holders. Positions for those with master's degrees should be good.
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