How to become an oceanographer

Are you captivated by the mysteries of our oceans and have a curious, investigative mind?
Then studying the ocean as an oceanographer could be the career path for you. 

What does an oceanographer do?

Oceanographers are scientists who specialise in the study of the ocean (oceanography), including its biological, physical, chemical and geological aspects. 

In this guide, we’re focussing primarily on biological oceanography – the study of marine organisms, ecosystems and their interactions with the environment.

Our oceans are home to 80% of life on Earth, from microscopic bacteria to blue whales, the largest animal ever to have lived.

They cover over 70% of Earth’s surface, produce over half our oxygen, regulate global climate and weather patterns, absorb nearly 1/3 of global carbon dioxide emissions and sustain roughly 3 billion people worldwide with protein. 

They support livelihoods from a booming coastal tourism industry to the Jeju haenyeo (iconic female free divers of Korea), and provide inspiration, freedom, rejuvenation and connection for people from all walks of life.

Unfortunately, our oceans are under attack from overfishing, climate change (warming and acidification), pollution, unsustainable aquaculture, shipping, oil and gas development, invasive species and more. But with effects like coral bleaching and plastic pollution under the public spotlight, the impetus to conserve the blue planet has never been greater.

Oceanographers’ work is crucial for understanding oceanic processes, marine ecosystems and the impacts of human activities on the marine environment. 

An above-water and below-water photograph showing seagrass meadows below water and a tropical resort above. As an oceanographer you could study the role of seagrass meadows and mangrove ecosystems in coastal protection, carbon storage and biodiversity.
As an oceanographer you could study the roles of seagrass meadows and mangrove forests in coastal protection, carbon storage and biodiversity. Credit Benjamin L. Jones via Unsplash.

Biological oceanography is a diverse field, with roles ranging from highly specialised research positions to broader, interdisciplinary roles. 

As a biological oceanographer, you might choose to specialise in a particular ecosystem, species (group), or ecological process. For example, you might research coral reef health in response to climate change; track migration patterns of Humpback Whales using satellite telemetry; or study the causes, distribution and impacts of harmful algal blooms.

Most specialist oceanographer roles require deep expertise in a specific area of oceanography.

In contrast, generalist roles usually require a broad understanding of multiple aspects of oceanography. 

For example, you might advise governments on marine pollution regulations as an ocean policy advisor, lead a marine protected area (MPA) initiative as a marine conservation scientist, or conduct environmental impact assessments for offshore wind farms as a marine ecological consultant. 

As an oceanographer, you can choose to apply your expertise within many of the 11 Key Conservation Roles – from Scientist or Policy Advocate to Educator or Fundraiser. Perhaps you’ll even become an Organisational Manager and start your own ocean conservation initiative. 

Regardless of the career path you choose, if you become an oceanographer, you’ll have the opportunity to play a crucial role in understanding and conserving marine ecosystems – and therefore the health of our planet and human well-being. 

Four humpback whales with their mouths above the water, feeding. As an oceanographer, you might track the migration patterns of Humpback Whales or other species.
As an oceanographer, you might track the migration patterns of Humpback Whales or other species. Photo credit: Vivek Kumar via Unplash.

What is the difference between a biological oceanographer, marine biologist and marine conservationist?

While these fields are closely related and often overlap, they differ in focus, approach and potential career paths. Here’s how biological oceanographers, marine biologists and marine conservationists compare:

An overview of the key differences between a biological oceanographer, marine biologist and marine conservationist. Keep in mind that this table is intended as a high-level overview, and we recommend further reading when planning your career path.

A key difference lies in whether the primary focus is scientific research (biological oceanographer and marine biologist) or applied conservation (marine conservationist).

Do biological oceanographer, marine biologist and marine conservationist roles overlap?

Yes! For example, a marine biologist might conduct research that informs marine conservation strategies. A biological oceanographer might study how species interact with oceanic processes like currents, temperature and nutrient cycles, which have conservation implications. And a marine conservationist might use scientific findings from both fields to protect or restore ecosystems.

Here are three real-life examples where marine biologists, biological oceanographers and marine conservationists might work together to tackle ocean challenges.

1. Coral reef restoration | Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Challenge: Coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures and pollution.

  • Marine biologists study the coral species most resilient to bleaching and develop methods for coral breeding and transplantation.
  • Biological oceanographers analyse ocean currents, water temperature and acidity to determine the best locations for reef restoration.
  • Marine conservationists work with governments and local communities to establish marine protected areas, reduce coastal pollution and implement sustainable tourism practices.

2. Plastic pollution impact on marine life | Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Challenge: Marine animals ingesting or getting entangled in plastic waste, affecting ecosystems.

  • Marine biologists study how microplastics affect fish, turtles and seabirds, including their digestion, reproduction and overall health.
  • Biological oceanographers map plastic accumulation patterns using ocean currents and investigate how plastics break down over time in different environments.
  • Marine conservationists advocate for global policies to reduce plastic production, improve waste management and organise ocean clean-up efforts.

3. Melting Arctic ice and marine mammal survival | Arctic Ocean
Challenge: Shrinking sea ice due to climate change is affecting polar bear and seal populations and altering ocean food chains.

  • Marine biologists track changes in marine mammal behaviour, reproduction and survival rates as ice melts.
  • Biological oceanographers study how changes in ice coverage affect ocean circulation, nutrient flow and fish populations.
  • Marine conservationists work with policymakers to reduce carbon emissions, establish protected zones, and regulate shipping routes to minimise disturbance to marine life.

Where does an oceanographer work?

Oceanographers can work in the field, in labs, in offices, in aquariums and in other environments. Types of conservation employers that hire oceanographers include:

A table showing examples of Academic, Business, Charity, Government and Social Enterprise organisations that employ oceanographers.

Oceanographers are a specific type of Conservation Scientist – one of the 11 Key Conservation Roles.

Here’s how most Conservation Scientist roles compare with other conservation roles. We’ve given each role a rating from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) for pay, popularity (how many applicants roles receive) and availability (how many jobs are available at a given time). Keep in mind that this is a general guide, and that pay, popularity and availability can vary with employer type, location and job level.

*Pay for senior-level Organisational Manager roles can reach a 5.
**Pay for veterinary sub roles can reach a 4.
 

If you plan to work as an oceanographer in the UK, you can review the National Careers Service’s guidance for oceanographer careers. If you plan to work as an oceanographer in the USA, you can read the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics guidance for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, such as Environment Scientists and Specialists.

To research salaries for general Oceanographer roles in your region, we recommend searching the Economic Research Institute’s Compensation Hub. To research salaries and availability for Oceanographers in your region, we recommend searching our Conservation Job Archive.

A false-colour image of the Kangerlussuaq Glacier, Greenland. As an oceanographer you could study the impact of climate change and ice melting on marine ecosystems.
A false-colour image of the Kangerlussuaq Glacier, Greenland. Research using satellite imagery show that extreme ice melting events in Greenland have become more frequent and more intense over the past decades, raising sea levels, heightening the risk of flooding for coastal communities worldwide and disrupting Arctic Ocean marine ecosystems. Credit: European Space Agency via Flickr.

Oceanographer sub roles

If you choose to become a biological oceanographer, you’ll be entering a diverse and exciting field. Here are some examples of sub roles and research projects for biological oceanographers:

  • Plankton dynamics specialist. Studies the distribution, productivity and role of phytoplankton and zooplankton in oceanic ecosystems.
    Example project: Analysing satellite data to track seasonal phytoplankton blooms and their influence on global carbon cycles.
  • Ocean carbon cycle researcher. Investigates how biological processes, such as the biological pump, contribute to carbon sequestration in the ocean.
    Example project: Measuring particulate organic carbon flux in the deep ocean to assess how efficiently carbon is removed from the atmosphere.
  • Marine biogeochemist. Examines how marine organisms influence and respond to chemical processes in the ocean, including nutrient cycling.
    Example project: Studying nitrogen fixation by marine microbes to understand its impact on oceanic primary productivity.
  • Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) specialist. Monitors and models the development of toxic algal blooms and their effects on marine ecosystems and coastal economies.
    Example project: Developing an early warning system using oceanographic data and machine learning to predict HAB occurrences.
  • Deep-sea food web analyst. Investigates how organic material is transported and utilised in the deep ocean, including its impact on abyssal ecosystems.
    Example project: Deploying sediment traps to study deep-sea scavenger feeding patterns.
  • Oceanographic data modeller. Uses numerical models to simulate biological interactions in ocean circulation and climate systems.
    Example project: Building a biophysical model to study the impact of climate change on global plankton distribution.
  • Microbial oceanographer. Studies the role of bacteria, archaea and viruses in ocean ecosystems, especially in extreme environments.
    Example project: Sequencing microbial DNA from hydrothermal vent plumes to identify novel extremophiles and their metabolic functions.
  • Ocean acidification specialist. Examines the biological response of marine life to changing pH levels and carbonate chemistry in the ocean.
    Example project: Conducting experiments to assess how acidification affects planktonic calcifiers (microscopic organisms that use calcium carbonate to form shells and skeletons).
  • Polar ocean ecosystem analyst. Investigates biological interactions in ice-covered waters, including sea ice microbial communities.
    Example project: Measuring seasonal shifts in Arctic under-ice primary production using bio-optical sensors.
  • Bio-optical oceanographer. Uses light-based remote sensing and in-water instruments to study biological oceanographic processes.
    Example project: Calibrating satellite ocean colour sensors to improve estimates of global chlorophyll concentrations.
  • Larval dispersal oceanographer. Studies how ocean currents and environmental factors affect the movement of larvae in the water column.
    Example project: Using models to predict larval connectivity between deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
  • Ocean acoustic ecology specialist. Uses passive acoustics to study biological interactions with oceanographic processes.
    Example project: Deploying hydrophones to track diel vertical migration of organisms using soundscapes.
Large bubble gum corals and smaller octocorals at 1,221 meters depth in Gilbert Canyon, USA. As an oceanographer, you could study how deep-sea organisms interact with ocean processes. Credit: NOAA va Unsplash.

What are the education requirements to become an oceanographer?

 Most oceanographer jobs require an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree in oceanography, ocean science, marine biology, marine science, or a related field such as environmental science, biology, geology, chemistry or physics.

The level and type of education you need to become an oceanographer depends greatly on the type of role you wish to have. Some jobs, particularly in research or teaching, require a master’s or PhD. Advanced degrees can also allow for specialisation in a specific area of oceanography and open opportunities for more focused research roles. 

If you want to become an oceanographer, real-life experience can greatly increase your chances of landing an early-career job. (Did you know that all 11 Key Conservation Roles usually require experience?) We recommend gaining practical experience to complement any study through internships, volunteering, research assistantships or other work experience schemes.

Check out these resources to help get valuable experience to become an oceanographer:

A red octopus swimming over a coral reef. As an oceanographer you might study the effects of climate change on coral reef health.
As an oceanographer you might study the effects of climate change on coral reef health. Credit: Oleksandr Sushko via Unsplash.

Degrees related to oceanography

Search our Conservation Training board for degrees and courses related to oceanography, such as:

An aerial image of ocean currents stirring up floating nutrients and microscopic plant life off the coast of Argentina. As an oceanographer you could study the interactions between ocean currents and marine life.
Ocean currents stirring up floating nutrients and microscopic plant life off the coast of Argentina. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory / NASA Goddard Space Flight Center via Flickr.

What kind of societies and professional organisations do oceanographers have?

There are many societies and professional organisations for oceanographers worldwide that can support you to become an oceanographer. Here are just a few to get you started:

Explore societies and professional organisations for marine biologists (scientists who study marine organisms and their interactions with the environment) in our guide How to become a marine biologist.

A woman, oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle, sitting on the ground beside a Laysan Albatross.
Oceanographer, explorer and “hero for the planet” Dr Sylvia Earle, and 'Wisdom', the oldest known living Laysan Albatross (60+ years old) at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, USA. Credit: Susan Middleton / USFWS Pacific Region via Flickr.

Oceanographer resources

Oceanographer interviews

You might also like to explore examples of how oceanographers can apply their expertise across the 11 Key Conservation Roles, such as:

Ultimate Guides for oceanographers

An aerial view of green algae blooms swirling around the Baltic Sea. Oceanographers can study the causes, distribution and impacts of harmful algal blooms that produce toxins and disrupt marine ecosystems.
An aerial view of green algae blooms swirling around the Baltic Sea. Oceanographers can study the causes, distribution and impacts of harmful algal blooms that produce toxins and disrupt marine ecosystems. Credit: European Space Agency via Flickr.

Example oceanographer jobs

To help illustrate oceanographer roles, here are several job descriptions that represent (real) entry level oceanographer jobs. Pay particular attention to the selection criteria (specifications) to learn more about what conservation employers are looking for when they hire oceanographers.
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Ocean Scientist – Rothera | British Antarctic Survey | Rothera, Antarctica and Cambridge, UK (2025)

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for an early career Ocean Scientist to join our team based in Antarctica. BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe!

Working at BAS is rewarding.  Our skilled science, operational and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation www.ukri.org

What we offer:

You’ll be joining BAS at an exciting time with the role spanning over two science teams. The first being the polar oceans team which explores the physics, chemistry and biochemistry of the Southern Ocean and high arctic waters. The second team is Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptations which looks at ecology and physiology of biodiversity in the shallows.

You’ll help us to deliver the ongoing biological and oceanography times series which will include taking a leading role in maintenance of aquaria and chemistry lab maintenance; CTD profiling; sea water profiling; diving to measure iceberg scouring and make biological collections.

Within the role, there will be an opportunity to develop role specific skills alongside standard training provided for those living and working in the extreme polar environment. There are also opportunities to progress into other areas such as lab manager, environment advice, diving officer and station support/management roles.

Current projects the team are working on include an environmental impact assessment of a proposed runway extension at Rothera alongside the BAM team. This will be supporting the possibilities of acquiring a new long range aircraft link with the Falkland Islands and South America.

You’ll be joining a world-leading interdisciplinary research organisation, that is committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support, you need to thrive at BAS.

Some of your main responsibilities will include:

  • Maintenance of aquaria
  • Sea water sampling
  • SCUBA diving to make observations and collections
  • Ice observations
  • Support of marine biology programmes

For the role of Rothera Ocean Scientist we are looking for somebody who:

  • Holds a BSc 2:1 or equivalent;
  • Is an experienced SCUBA diver (CMAS 3* equivalent, minimum 80 logged dives. Including 40 cold water dives <12֯C / 25 drysuit dives).

Ideally you will have HSE or equivalent qualifications and full face mask experience. You will possess a good knowledge of small boat handling and a flexible approach to problem solving.  Proficient in written and spoken English language, you will have the ability to get on in a small, tightly knit team for extended periods. You will live and work within a small team at Rothera which integrates with a larger team in Cambridge. In addition, you will need to be physically fit enough to cope with the working environment in Antarctica and pass a BAS medical.

 

Oceanographic Data Specialist 1 | Ocean Associates | Maryland, USA (2025)

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking a full-time Oceanographic Data Specialist 1 to support the NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) Engineering and Design Branch and the Products and Services Branch in Silver Spring, MD. The individual will be responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of water level stations and their associated metadata and data to support CO-OPS datums partnerships. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.

CO-OPS is the authoritative source for accurate, reliable, and timely tides, water levels, currents, and other coastal oceanographic and meteorological information. Offering services that support safe and efficient maritime commerce and transportation, help protect public health and safety, and promote robust, resilient coastal communities. CO-OPS maintains ocean observing infrastructure, including more than 200 permanent water level stations on the U.S. coasts and Great Lakes, an integrated system of real-time sensors concentrated in busy seaports, and temporary meters that collect observations for tidal current predictions. Through these systems, CO-OPS provides the nation with historic and real-time data, forecasts, predictions, and scientific analyses that protect life, the economy, and the environment on the coast.

Key Responsibilities May Include:

  • Documentation and Data Input: Support the submission, review, and input of metadata for water level, meteorological, and oceanographic sensors, ensuring all data aligns with CO-OPS standards and SOPs.
  • Data Stability and Datum Assurance: Monitor and assess the stability of water level stations and ensure they are correctly on datum, performing necessary adjustments and updates to maintain accuracy. Analyze oceanographic data pertaining to the transition of CO-OPS observing systems from legacy sensors to microwave water level technology and assist in coordinating the review and approval of such transitions.
  • Data Loading and Quality Assurance: Load preliminary data into the database as needed and conduct quality assurance and quality control checks on water level data to detect and resolve discrepancies. Assist in the development of revised tidal datum determination procedures, including an error budget analysis.
  • Data Product Development and Dissemination: Produce essential data products such as hourly heights, highs and lows, monthly means, tidal and geodetic datums, harmonic constituents, and tidal predictions. Assist in the development and presentation of technical training and procedural workshops for NOAA stakeholders seeking to understand CO-OPS oceanographic data analysis.
  • Data Tracking and Project Updates: Track data throughout the metadata and data pipeline, providing regular updates to project and partnership leads regarding the status and progress of data handling.
  • SOP and Guide Updates: Assist in updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guides when necessary to align with evolving practices and technologies.
  • Station Evaluation and Decision Support: Participate in the evaluation process to determine which two FLDEP stations will be maintained long-term by CO-OPS, contributing to strategic decision-making based on comprehensive data analysis.
  • The contractor will ensure that all metadata and data are integrated into our network correctly and will be generating all downstream data products, thereby supporting CO-OPS’ mission and Datums Partnership operational needs.

Location: Silver Spring, MD

Salary and Benefits: Full time. Salary commensurate with experience. $19 – $24 / hr.  Generous employee benefits.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

  • Master’s degree in oceanography, meteorology, hydrology, physics, physical science, geophysics, civil engineering, or a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience is required.
  • Knowledge of physical oceanographic principles, especially those related to tides and tidal currents is preferred.
  • Undergraduate or graduate coursework in oceanography, marine engineering, meteorology, and related subjects is preferred.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to work well independently and as part of a team, are required.
  • Knowledge and experience with MATLAB, spreadsheets, statistics databases, and Structured Query Language (SQL) preferred.
  • Experience with Geographic information Systems (GIS) and with the ESRI suite of GIS products or other commercial GIS software preferred.
  • Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.
  • Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action.
 

Research Assistant I – Bioacoustic Data Analyst | Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute | Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA (2025)

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently seeking a Research Assistant I, Bioacoustic Data Analyst to join the Biology Department. This is a regular fixed-term, full-time, non-exempt position and is eligible for full benefits. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge bioacoustics research in a world-renowned oceanographic institution. If you are passionate about marine acoustics, data analysis, and research, we encourage you to apply!

Reporting to the Research Team Lead, the Research Assistant will be responsible for conducting fine-scale analyses of acoustic recordings of bottlenose dolphins, contributing to the development and maintenance of a systematic MATLAB-based database. Additionally, the Research Assistant will analyze various marine acoustic datasets, including sounds from marine mammals, fish, and anthropogenic noise sources. Soundscape analyses and data annotation will be key components of this role. The position may also involve analyzing drone video collected from acoustic playback experiments, as well as examining acoustic and movement data from digital tags. While fieldwork opportunities may arise, they are limited and not guaranteed.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Essential Functions:

  • Conduct detailed acoustic data analysis using software such as Raven and MATLAB.
  • Maintain, update, and curate a MATLAB-based database of acoustic recordings.
  • Perform annotation and classification of marine animal sounds and anthropogenic noise sources.
  • Conduct soundscape analyses, including characterization of ambient noise levels and detection of biological and anthropogenic sources.
  • Assist in the analysis of drone video footage to evaluate behavioral responses during acoustic playback experiments.
  • Analyze digital tag data, incorporating both acoustic and movement data to assess animal behavior.
  • Document findings and contribute to research reports, presentations, and potential scientific publications.
  • Collaborate with team members to improve data processing methodologies and ensure data quality control.
  • Participate in periodic team meetings and discussions to present findings and receive feedback.
  • Perform other duties as required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, marine biology, oceanography, bioacoustics, acoustics, environmental science, or a related discipline).
  • Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen interest in marine bioacoustics.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Candidates with quantitative backgrounds are preferred, including experience with computer programming and machine learning.
  • Experience with the acoustic analysis software program Raven and with drone video analysis are also a plus.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willingness to work full-time at a computer, analyzing and processing acoustic datasets.
  • Potential for limited fieldwork opportunities, though not guaranteed.
Fishermen in a traditional wooden boat on the water. Become an oceanographer and you could study physical, chemical and other processes that affect fisheries.
Fishermen in a traditional wooden boat in Kerala, India. Credit: Colin White via Flickr.

Related oceanographer career profiles

Marine biologist | Studying marine organisms

Marine biologists specialise in studying marine organisms and their interactions with the environment (including humans). Explore.

Not sure yet which type of conservation role is right for you? Explore all 11 Key Conservation Roles.

Useful links & free stuff

A group of dolphins swimming over a coral reef. Become an oceanographer and you could study the interactions between ocean processes and marine mammals.
Don't be left alone on your career journey! Check out the career-boosting links and resources below that can speed up your journey to become an oceanographer. Credit: Oleksandr Sushko via Unsplash.
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Main image: An aerial view of green algae blooms swirling around the Baltic Sea. Oceanographers can study the causes, distribution and impacts of harmful algal blooms that produce toxins and disrupt marine ecosystems. Credit: European Space Agency via Flickr.