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Biological Oceanographer information

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$31K

$42.1K

$56K

How much do biological oceanographer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for biological oceanographer in the United States is $42,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Biological Oceanographer vs Marine Biologist?

AspectBiological OceanographerMarine Biologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Marine Science, Oceanography, or related fields; often requires research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology, Biology, or related fields; research experience beneficial
Work EnvironmentResearch vessels, oceanographic labs, field expeditions at seaAquariums, research labs, field studies in coastal or marine environments
Industry UsagePrimarily in oceanographic research institutions, government agencies, universitiesUniversities, research institutions, conservation organizations, aquariums

While both roles study marine life, Biological Oceanographers focus on large-scale ocean processes and ecosystems, often working at sea and in oceanographic labs. Marine Biologists typically study specific marine species or habitats, often in controlled environments or coastal areas. The choice depends on whether you prefer large-scale ocean research or species-specific studies.

What are some common challenges biological oceanographers face when conducting field research?

Biological Oceanographers often encounter challenges related to unpredictable weather, logistical complexities of working at sea, and maintaining sensitive scientific equipment in harsh marine environments. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and adhering to strict safety protocols can also add layers of complexity to fieldwork. Additionally, collecting high-quality data in remote or deep-sea locations can be physically demanding and requires adaptability, problem-solving skills, and effective communication with fellow researchers and crew.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biological oceanographer?

To thrive as a Biological Oceanographer, you need a strong background in marine biology, ecology, and oceanography, typically supported by at least a master's degree in a related field. Experience with laboratory and field research techniques, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or R), and familiarity with remote sensing tools are essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with research teams and sharing findings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for conducting rigorous research, interpreting complex data, and informing conservation and resource management decisions.

What does a biological oceanographer do?

A Biological Oceanographer studies the interactions between marine organisms and their environment. They investigate how oceanic processes such as currents, temperature, and chemistry affect the distribution and behavior of marine life. Their research helps us understand the health of marine ecosystems, the impact of human activities, and contributes to conservation efforts. Biological Oceanographers often work in the field collecting samples, in laboratories analyzing data, and may collaborate with other scientists to address complex ecological questions.
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What states have the most Biological Oceanographer jobs? States with the most job openings for Biological Oceanographer jobs include:
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Biological Oceanographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biological Oceanographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,105 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Supervisory Research Fish Biologist

Work with us | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Panama City, FL

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

This specific position will be filled in Miami, FL; Pascagoula, MS; Beaufort, NC; or Seattle, WA, and the initial certificate of eligibles will be issued for these locations. Additional duty locations are listed for future vacancies and/or vacancies that may be filled throughout the Department of Commerce. Please select locations for which you want to be considered.Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:This position requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience in order to be found minimally qualified. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements:
To qualify for the 0482 (Research) series:
Degree: Applicants must show that they have a degree with major study in biology, zoology, or biological oceanography that included at least 30 semester hours in biological and aquatic science and 15 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences. This course work must have included:

  • At least 15 semester hours of preparatory training in zoology beyond introductory biology or zoology in such courses as invertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, histology, physiology, embryology, advanced vertebrate zoology, genetics, entomology, and parasitology; and
  • At least 6 semester hours of training applicable to fishery biology in such subjects as fishery biology, ichthyology, limnology, oceanography, algology, planktonology, marine or fresh water ecology, invertebrate ecology, principles of fishery population dynamics, or related course work in the field of fishery biology; and
  • At least 15 semester hours of training in any combination of two or more of the following: chemistry, physics, mathematics, or statistics.

-AND-
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Coordinating and directing a research program or project involving marine ecosystem or fisheries science;
  • Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting marine science data; and
  • Overseeing staff in a leadership capacity in areas such as in assigning work, setting priorities, providing feedback on work assignments, providing feedback regarding overall employee performance, etc.
Education:

Substitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable to this vacancy.
College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

Employment Type: OTHER

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