How much does a Oceanographer make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Oceanographer
Image that illustrates Oceanographer

Oceanographer

47 800 kr

Geologists and geophysicists etc.

37 900 - 59 300 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Oceanographer

Average salary 47 800 kr
Males 48 800 kr
Females 45 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 4 Vacant jobs ->

What does an oceanographer do? – Tasks and work environment

An oceanographer works to investigate and analyze the physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes of the seas and oceans. The role includes fieldwork at sea, collecting water and sediment samples, and advanced analysis in laboratory settings. Oceanographers contribute to understanding climate change, ocean currents, ecosystems, and environmental impact. The work environment can vary between research vessels, coastal stations, and office-based tasks where large amounts of data are processed and interpreted.

Salary development over time

The salary of an oceanographer has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,200 SEK per month, increasing to 46 400 in 2023 and further to 47,800 SEK in 2024. This represents an approximate increase of 8.1 % over three years. Factors driving salary development include increased demand for specialized skills in environmental and climate research, as well as general salary increases within natural sciences. The market for oceanographers is relatively small, which can positively influence salary levels due to competition for qualified candidates.

Oceanographer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 47,800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,900 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education less than 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 59,300 SEK/month (male, private sector, job tasks unspecified)
  • Hourly wage: 287 SEK/hour
  • Women/men: Women earn 45 900 SEK, men 48 800 SEK (94 %)
  • Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as an oceanographer, a university degree in oceanography, marine science, or a related natural science field is usually required. The education path typically includes both theoretical studies and practical components, such as fieldwork and laboratory work. Specialized courses and research focus areas, such as marine biology, geosciences, or climate modeling, are often advantageous.

  • Master's degree in oceanography or a related field (5 years)
  • Specialized university courses in marine science, geosciences, or climate
  • Internships/field studies during studies are common
  • Doctoral studies may be required for research-oriented positions
  • Strong data analysis skills and experience in scientific reporting

Oceanographers can work aboard research vessels for several weeks at a time, collecting data from remote parts of the ocean. This provides opportunities to visit unique environments and participate in international research projects, making the role both adventurous and globally relevant.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Oceanographers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, comprehensive health insurance, and flexible working hours. In research or government positions, additional vacation days, professional development, and international collaboration opportunities may also be included. Some employers provide travel and fieldwork allowances.

Challenges and competition

The job market for oceanographers is relatively small, and competition for positions can be high, especially for research-based roles. Challenges include the need for continuous skill development, proficiency with advanced analysis tools, and handling large datasets. Funding for research projects can vary over time, affecting the stability of employment. Oceanographers must also be prepared for long periods at sea and working in demanding environments. Despite these challenges, there are good opportunities for those who are flexible and qualified, especially within environmental and climate research where demand is rising.

Tips for aspiring oceanographers

To succeed as an oceanographer, it is beneficial to combine strong analytical skills with a genuine interest in the sea and environmental issues. Developing technical skills in data analysis and programming provides a competitive edge, as does resilience and flexibility, given that work often involves long periods at sea or in laboratories. The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively is crucial, especially in international and interdisciplinary projects. Gaining internships or summer jobs in marine research during studies offers valuable experience and networking opportunities. Curiosity and openness to new scientific findings help stay updated and relevant in the field.

Key facts about oceanographers

  • Education level: Master's degree or higher in science
  • Work environment: Combination of fieldwork at sea and laboratory/office work
  • Typical employment: Project-based or research positions
  • Demand: Limited but increasing within environmental and climate sectors
  • Special skills: Data analysis, GIS, programming, advanced measurement techniques

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, oceanographers can advance to project managers, senior researchers, or specialist roles within areas such as ocean modeling or environmental analysis. Transitioning into consultancy for authorities or companies in the marine sector is also common. The Swedish Employment Service does not provide specific forecasts for the oceanographer profession due to limited data, but related fields like "Geologists and Geophysicists" report 143 job openings. The outlook is cautiously positive, especially for those willing to specialize or work internationally. Ongoing global focus on environmental and climate issues is expected to increase demand for oceanographic expertise.

Frequently asked questions about oceanographers

  • What does an oceanographer earn?
    - An oceanographer has an average salary of 47,800 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become an oceanographer?
    - A master's degree in oceanography or a related natural science subject is usually required.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 45 900 SEK on average, while men earn 48 800 SEK, which corresponds to 94 %.
  • What is the job market like for oceanographers?
    - The profession has limited but increasing demand, with 143 job openings in related fields.
  • What does an oceanographer do in their daily work?
    - Oceanographers collect and analyze data about the sea and climate, both in the field and in laboratories.
  • What personal qualities are important for an oceanographer?
    - Analytical skills, endurance, flexibility, and good teamwork skills are highly valued.
  • Are there regional salary differences for oceanographers?
    - No specific regional salary data is available for this profession.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 05:43:24

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Oceanographer is 59300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a data missing. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 47800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Oceanographer is 37900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 96% 41300 kr 41800 kr
35-44 98% 47500 kr 47900 kr
45-54 51900 kr 52200 kr
55-64 54000 kr 54200 kr
Snitt 94% 47400 kr 47800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Oceanographer has the SSYK code 2114, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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