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Physical Oceanography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapy Assistant

Ilwaco, WA · On-site

$27.74 - $44.78/hr

Ocean Beach Health is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) to join our close-knit rehabilitation team. Here, we provide exceptional care with compassion, integrity, and collaboration-while ...

Physical Therapy Assistant

Ilwaco, WA · On-site

$28.75 - $38/hr

Ocean Beach Health is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) to join our close-knit rehabilitation team. Here, we provide exceptional care with compassion, integrity, and collaboration-while ...

Showing results 41-60

Physical Oceanography information

See salary details

$44K

$81.5K

$151K

How much do physical oceanography jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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 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.

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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Physical Oceanography job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,521 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

$131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), with 1 vacancy in Honolulu, HI.
This position is also announced under vacancy number NWS-26-13035949-ST, which is open to Status Candidates. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.
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
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position may be filled with series 1301 (General Physical Science) / 1313 (Geophysics) / 1360 (Oceanography). Each series 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. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements:
To qualify for the 1360 series:
EDUCATION:
A. 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
B. 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.
To qualify for the 1301 series:
EDUCATION:
A. 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
B. 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.
To qualify for the 1313 series:
EDUCATION:
A. Degree: that included at least 30 semester hours in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences (geophysics, physics, engineering, geology, astronomy, meteorology, electronics, etc.).
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
-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 GS-14 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 GS-13 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Analyzing geophysical and oceanographic data for the evaluation of earthquakes or tsunami potential;
  • Utilizing tsunami forecast models to determine tsunami impacts and issue warnings; and
  • Conducting public outreach or coordinating with partners to improve warning operations.
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