Pay for oceanographers depends on the type of work they do, and their experience.

Pay for oceanographers working at universities

• Lecturers/postdoctoral teaching fellows usually earn between $67,000 and $80,000 a year.
• Senior lecturers may earn $86,000 to $100,000.
• Associate professors usually earn $112,000 to $124,000.
• Professors could earn $130,000 to $158,000.

Pay for oceanographers working at research institutions

Oceanographers who work at research institutions tend to earn slightly less than those at universities.

• At the technician level (with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree), you could start at $35,000 a year, moving up to about $50,000.
• Postdoctoral fellows earn between $50,000 and $55,000 a year. Pay is fixed for the term of the fellowship (usually two to three years).

Pay for permanent scientist positions depends on qualifications and experience.

• With a PhD (but without postdoctoral experience) you can expect a starting salary between $50,000 and $55,000.
• With a PhD and some postdoctoral or work experience, you could earn $60,000 to 80,000.
• With several years' experience and increased performance and responsibility, pay could rise to about $100,000 a year.

Oceanographers with a Bachelor's degree typically work as technicians. They may progress into research scientist positions after getting a Masters or PhD.

Once you have a PhD, you can apply for postdoctoral fellowships at research organisations or universities. You may need to do two or three postdoctoral fellowships (usually lasting two or three years each) before getting a permanent scientist position.

At research organisations, after about 15 years’ experience, you can progress into senior research scientist, team leader or management roles.