An oceanographer is a geoscientist who studies the science behind oceans, including chemical composition, historical trends like water temperature and currents, and the effects of man and pollution upon the pH or salinity of ocean water. Like other geoscientists, oceanographers typically hold doctorates in their field; many conduct independent research.
Work Experience
In October 2009, oceanographers and other geoscientists with one to four years of experience averaged salaries of between $40,000 and $94,986, according to Payscale.com. Oceanographers and other geoscientists with 10 years of work experience or more averaged salaries of $145,451.
Industry
The largest employers of oceanographers and geoscientists in May 2008 were architectural and engineering services, oil and gas extraction companies, scientific consulting companies and state governments, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Oceanographers employed in these areas earned average salaries of between $59,830 and $130,620. In 2008, the highest-paying industries for oceanographers were petroleum wholesalers, oil and gas extraction companies, petroleum and coal manufacturers and support activities for mining. Oceanographers working in these fields averaged between $95,200 and $139,200.
Geography
The region where an oceanographer or other geoscientist works also affects her salary range. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports from May 2008, the states with the highest concentration of oceanographers were Alaska and Texas, where workers earned average salaries of $88,020 and $123,720, respectively. The cities where oceanographers and other geoscientists averaged the highest salaries were Houston, Texas; Bakersfield, California; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Fort Worth,Texas, where scientists earned between $110,550 and $132,660.
Benefits
Many geoscientists receive additional benefits that increase their overall compensation packages, according to Payscale.com. Oceanographers earned an average of 2.2 to 4.3 weeks of paid vacation. Some received average annual bonuses of between $4,000 and $9,000. Other common benefits for oceanographers include paid holidays and sick days, 401k retirement plans, life or disability insurance, a casual atmosphere or dress code and tuition reimbursement for educational courses.
Outlook
Overall, the average annual yearly salary for oceanographers was $89,300 in May 2008. The lowest-paid 10 percent of professionals in the field earned $41,700, while the highest-paid earned $155,430. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 22 percent growth in the field of oceanography and other geosciences through 2016, resulting in the creation of 6,800 new jobs.
Tags: other geoscientists, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, earned average, Labor Statistics
