ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Physical Oceanography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPhysical Oceanography Jobs

Physical Oceanography information

See salary details

$44K

$81.5K

$151K

How much do physical oceanography jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical oceanography in the United States is $81,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is physical oceanography?

Physical oceanography is the scientific study of the physical conditions and processes within the ocean, including the movement of ocean currents, waves, tides, and the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere. Physical oceanographers examine how these processes affect climate, weather, and marine ecosystems. Their work helps us understand phenomena like El Niño, sea level rise, and the distribution of heat and nutrients in the ocean. This field is crucial for predicting climate change and managing marine resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physical Oceanographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physical Oceanographer, a strong background in oceanography, physics, mathematics, and data analysis is essential, typically supported by at least a master's or doctoral degree in a related field. Proficiency in scientific programming languages (such as MATLAB, Python, or R), experience with oceanographic instrumentation (like CTDs and ADCPs), and familiarity with GIS and remote sensing tools are commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication make professionals stand out in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately collecting, interpreting, and sharing complex ocean data to advance scientific understanding and inform environmental policy.

What is the difference between Physical Oceanography vs Marine Geophysicist?

AspectPhysical OceanographyMarine Geophysicist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Oceanography, Geophysics, or related fields; often requires research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Geophysics, Earth Science, or related fields; often requires technical certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch vessels, ocean observatories, laboratoriesSeismic survey ships, offshore platforms, laboratories
Industry UsageAcademic, government agencies, research institutionsOil & gas, mineral exploration, geophysical consulting

Physical Oceanography focuses on understanding ocean currents, waves, and climate interactions, while Marine Geophysicist studies Earth's physical properties beneath the ocean floor. Both roles require strong backgrounds in earth sciences and often work in research or industry settings, but they differ in their specific focus and applications.

What are some common challenges faced by physical oceanographers when conducting field research?

Physical oceanographers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, complex logistical planning for ship-based data collection, and maintaining sensitive instruments in harsh marine environments. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, biologists, and data analysts—is essential to address these obstacles and ensure accurate data collection. Additionally, researchers must be adaptable and resourceful to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and adjust research plans in real time during expeditions.

What Are Jobs in Physical Oceanography?

Jobs in physical oceanography focus on studying the movement and flow of the oceans for various purposes. In this role, you may dive underwater to collect information, process data to help create simulations and computer models, and help apply those results. The oceans constantly change, so this job also includes understanding and predicting these differences to understand how they may affect future activities. Physical oceanography jobs fall into several categories, including environmental research, climate change research, and supporting preservation efforts. Some people in this field specialize in specific areas, such as polar oceanography or circulation and climate.

More about Physical Oceanography jobs
What cities are hiring for Physical Oceanography jobs? Cities with the most Physical Oceanography job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Oceanography jobs? The most popular types of Physical Oceanography jobs are:
What states have the most Physical Oceanography jobs? States with the most job openings for Physical Oceanography jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Physical Oceanography jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Physical Oceanography jobs are:
Physical Oceanography jobs near you
INTERDISCIPLINARY - PHYSICAL SCIENTIST / METEOROLOGIST / OCEANOGRAPHER

INTERDISCIPLINARY - PHYSICAL SCIENTIST / METEOROLOGIST / OCEANOGRAPHER

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Stennis Space Center, MS • On-site

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 529 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as a INTERDISCIPLINARY - PHYSICAL SCIENTIST / METEOROLOGIST / OCEANOGRAPHER in the Geospatial Analysis and Support Division, Warfighting Support Center, Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) of NAVOCEANO BAY ST LOUIS.Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience applying the theories, principles, policies and/or techniques of oceanography hydrology, remote sensing, image processing, and geographic information systems and their capabilities and limitations as applied to coastal oceanographic and/or riverine environments.
  • Experience with GIS and remote sensing tools to manipulate and evaluate oceanographic and riverine data and remote sensing exploitation techniques.
  • Experience with the tactical use of the environment during Naval Special Warfare, Amphibious Warfare, Special Operations, and other missions where knowledge of the riverine and environment is required.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/general-physical-science-series-1301/
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/meteorology-series-1340/
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/oceanography-series-1360/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.Education:Applicants must meet the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must possess
General Physical Science Series, 1301
Basic Requirements:
  1. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
or
  1. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

***A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.***
Meteorology Series 1340
Basic Requirements:
  1. Degree: meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science major that included:
    1. At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of credit in meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of:
      1. Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;*
      2. Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale);
      3. Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and
      4. Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation.
    2. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions.*
    3. Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations.*
    4. At least nine semester hours of course work appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science.
* There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major.
or
  1. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

***A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.***
Oceanography Series 1360
Basic Requirements:
  1. Degree: major study of at least 24 semester hours in oceanography or a related discipline such as physics, meteorology, geophysics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, geology, or biology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of oceanography, physics, geophysics, chemistry, mathematics, meteorology, computer science, and engineering sciences.
or
  1. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Applicants who qualify on the basis of major study in biology or geology must have had at least 6 semester hours in the major directly concerned with marine science or 6 semester hours in oceanography; applicants who qualify on the basis of other physical sciences or engineering must have had differential and integral calculus and at least 6 semester hours in physics.
***A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.***Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply