As of July 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Oceanographer in the US is $78,553, equivalent to $38 per hour, $1,511 weekly, or $6,546 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Oceanographer in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Oceanographer in the US vary widely, spanning from $58,312 to $102,066. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($67,958) and 75th percentile ($90,861), while top earners (90th percentile) make $102,066 per year. This $22,903 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Microsoft Office, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Oceanographer often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 0 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
