21102 - Geoscientists and Oceanographers
Broad Occupation Category
2 - Natural and applied sciences and related occupations.
TEER
1 - Occupations usually require a university degree.
Major Group
21 - Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences.
Sub-major Group
211 - Professional occupations in natural sciences.
Minor Group
2110 - Physical science professionals.
Main Duties
Geoscientists and Oceanographers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Conduct geological, geochemical, and geophysical research
- Plan and supervise field studies, drilling, and testing programs
- Analyze survey data, well logs, and rock samples
- Develop modelling software for subsurface analysis
- Assess mineral and hydrocarbon deposits
- Evaluate geological hazards and environmental risks
- Advise on land acquisition and mine development
- Supervise drilling or mining operations
- Conduct marine research programs and expeditions
- Analyze seawater, sediments, plankton, and marine ecosystems
- Model tides, currents, and sediment transport
- Perform seabed surveys and offshore exploration studies
- Study marine pollution and climate impacts
- Develop sea-farming and ecological-management methods
Employment Requirements
These are the typical employment requirements and benefits associated with this occupation in Canada:
- A university degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics, oceanography, or a related field is usually required.
- A master's or doctoral degree may be required for many research or geophysicist roles.
- Professional registration with provincial regulators is required in most regions for geoscientists.
- A graduate degree in oceanography may be required for oceanographer roles.
- Several years of supervised professional experience may be required.
- Many employers offer pension plans, medical and dental coverage, life insurance, paid leave, and employer contributions to pension and employment insurance programs.
Geoscientists and Oceanographers Salary Prospects
Community/Area
Low ($/hour)
Median ($/hour)
High ($/hour)
Community/AreaCanada
Low ($/hour)29.67
Median ($/hour)48.08
High ($/hour)75.00
Community/AreaAlberta
Low ($/hour)29.81
Median ($/hour)48.08
High ($/hour)76.92
Community/AreaBritish Columbia
Low ($/hour)28.00
Median ($/hour)53.33
High ($/hour)86.54
Community/AreaManitoba
Low ($/hour)34.62
Median ($/hour)38.46
High ($/hour)73.08
Community/AreaNew Brunswick
Low ($/hour)27.75
Median ($/hour)39.09
High ($/hour)54.24
Community/AreaNewfoundland and Labrador
Low ($/hour)27.00
Median ($/hour)43.27
High ($/hour)71.79
Community/AreaNorthwest Territories
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaNova Scotia
Low ($/hour)30.39
Median ($/hour)43.98
High ($/hour)61.01
Community/AreaNunavut
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaOntario
Low ($/hour)31.25
Median ($/hour)47.60
High ($/hour)62.50
Community/AreaPrince Edward Island
Low ($/hour)N/A
Median ($/hour)N/A
High ($/hour)N/A
Community/AreaQuebec
Low ($/hour)23.23
Median ($/hour)46.15
High ($/hour)57.69
Community/AreaSaskatchewan
Low ($/hour)35.00
Median ($/hour)42.00
High ($/hour)61.54
Community/AreaYukon Territory
Low ($/hour)31.81
Median ($/hour)42.88
High ($/hour)55.98
