Oceanography Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2026 & Future Scope

Oceanographer

They study various aspects of the ocean, including its physical properties, currents, temperature, and salinity. 

15.7 LPA

Marine Biologist

They study marine life, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. 

6.8 LPA

Marine Geologist 

They investigate the geological features of the ocean floor, including the formation of underwater landscapes, minerals, and resources. 

14.5 LPA

Ocean Engineer

They design and develop equipment and systems for use in the ocean, such as submarines, offshore platforms, and underwater robots. 

13 LPA

Coastal Zone Manager

They work to protect and manage the coastal areas, which are often vulnerable to erosion and pollution.

7.2 LPA

Marine Conservationist

6.4 LPA

Climate/Ocean Modeler

4.2 LPA

Physical Oceanography

INR 3.5 - 6 LPA

INR 6 - 10 LPA

INR 10 - 20 LPA

Biological Oceanography

INR 7 - 8 LPA

INR 8 - 10 LPA

INR 10 - 20 LPA

Marine Geology

INR 3.5 - 6 LPA

INR 6 - 10 LPA

INR 10 - 20 LPA

Chemical Oceanography

INR 7 - 8 LPA

INR 8 - 11 LPA

INR 11 - 20 LPA

Marine Ecology

INR 3.5 - 6 LPA

INR 6 - 10 LPA

INR 10 - 20 LPA

Marine Remote Sensing

INR 3.5 - 6 LPA

INR 6 - 10 LPA

INR 10 - 20 LPA

Marine Biotechnology

INR 9 - 10 LPA

INR 10 - 14 LPA 

INR 14 - 20 LPA

Research Institutions and Government Agencies

Marine and Coastal Conservation Organizations

Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry

Naval and Defense Sectors

National Institute of Oceanography

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services 

Ministry of Earth Sciences 

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research

The Nature Conservancy and Wildlife Institute of India 

WCS-India Marine Program

Reef Watch Marine Conservation 

Coastal Conservation Foundation

Avanti Feeds Ltd.

Waterbase Ltd

Apex Frozen Foods Ltd

Coastal Corporation Limited

Apollo Micro Systems

Avantel

BrahMos Aerospace

Bharat Forge

IIT Bhubaneswar

12.5 LPA

UoH 

6.75 LPA

Andhra University

6.5 LPA

Annamalai University

2.05 - 4.11 LPA

Cochin University of Science and Technology

4 LPA

Berhampur University

3.5 LPA

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology

3.5 LPA

Mangalore University

2.6 LPA

Alagappa University

2.46 LPA

Oceanographer

In government agencies, they are involved in a wide range of research activities related to the physical, chemical, geological, and biological aspects of the ocean. 

15.7 LPA

Marine Biologist

They study marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the interactions between marine species. 

4.48 LPA

Marine Geologist

They focus on the study of the geological features of the ocean floor, including underwater landforms, sediments, and geological processes. 

14.5 LPA

Physical Oceanographer

They specialise in the study of ocean currents, waves, tides, and other physical aspects of the ocean. 

15.7 LPA

Chemical Oceanographer

They investigate the chemical composition of seawater, including the distribution of elements, nutrients, and pollutants. 

15 LPA

Marine Environmental Consultant

Private environmental consulting firms may hire Oceanographers and marine scientists to assess the environmental impact of projects in coastal and marine areas.

5.6 LPA

Marine Research and Survey Scientist

Private research and survey companies specializing in marine and coastal research often hire scientists and researchers to conduct studies, collect data, and analyze findings for commercial and academic purposes.

7 LPA

Marine Geotechnical Engineer

Private companies involved in offshore engineering and construction hire marine geologists and geotechnical engineers to assess the seabed and geological conditions for infrastructure development.

8.4 LPA

Marine Remote Sensing Specialist

Remote sensing specialists may find positions in private companies that offer services related to remote sensing technology, satellite data analysis, and ocean monitoring for various industries, including shipping and coastal management.

6.1 LPA

Marine and Offshore Engineer

Private firms in the maritime and offshore industries often employ marine engineers and oceanographers for ship design, offshore platform construction, and marine equipment development.

10.4 LPA

Canada

• Entry-Level: CAD 50,000 - CAD 70,000 per year
• Mid-Level: CAD 150,000 - CAD 350,000 per year
• Senior-Level: CAD 200,000 and above per year

Germany

• Entry-Level: €30,000 - €40,000 per year
• Mid-Level: €40,000 - €60,000 per year
• Senior-Level: €70,000 - €90,000 per year

Australia

• Entry-Level: AUD 50,000 - AUD 70,000 per year
• Mid-Level: AUD 60,000 - AUD 90,000 per year
• Senior-Level: AUD 100,000 and above per year

United States

• Entry-Level: $45,000 - $65,000 per year
• Mid-Level: $60,000 - $90,000 per year
• Senior-Level: $100,000 and above per year

United Kingdom

• Entry-Level: £20,000 - £35,000 per year
• Mid-Level: £25,000 - £45,000 per year
• Senior-Level: £35,000 - £60,000 per year