USA Career Guide- Marine Biologists and Oceanographers
Education Required to be Marine Biologists and Oceanographers
Various colleges and universities offer a range of degrees in marine biology and marine life science related degrees from bachelor’s degrees to doctorates. Students can earn a degree in oceanography or take courses in oceanography and major in a related field such as biology, physics, chemistry, or engineering. Graduate training is usually required for advancement. A doctoral degree is required for college teaching and for many research positions.
Pay of Marine Biologists and Oceanographers
The salary for oceanographers varies greatly depending on the field, level of experience and whether an oceanographer works in the public or private sector. 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.
Oceanographers working in the private sector, however, can earn over $100,000, especially when factoring in benefits.
Job Prospects of Marine Biologists and Oceanographers
Opportunities for oceanographers are expected to grow as fast as the average through the year 2012. Many job openings will result from workers in the field who retire. However, a lack of funding for work in the federal and state governments and other organizations will likely affect oceanographers.
Other titles in this work field include: • Aquatic chemist
• Biological oceanographer
• Chemical oceanographer
• Marine geophysicist
• Ocean scientist
• Oceanographer
• Physical Oceanographer
Processing...