How to become a geoscientist or oceanographer
Official title: Geoscientists and oceanographers
Also called: Oceanographer, Chemical oceanographer, Physical oceanographer, Fisheries oceanographer, Biological oceanographer, Geological oceanographer, Geodesist, Geologist, Geochemist, Hydrologist, Petrologist, Geophysicist
Geoscientists include geologists, geochemists and geophysicists who conduct programs of exploration and research to extend knowledge of the structure, composition and processes of the earth, to locate, identify and extract hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources and to assess and mitigate the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment. Oceanographers conduct programs of exploration and research on ocean processes and phenomena, biological, chemical and physical characteristics of oceans, interactions with atmospheric and geological environments and impacts of human activity on oceans and marine ecosystems. Geoscientists are employed by petroleum and mining companies, consulting geology, geophysics and engineering firms and by governments and educational institutions, or they may be self-employed. Oceanographers are employed by governments, educational institutions and private companies engaged in exploration of seafloor deposits and seafarming areas, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Geoscientists
- Conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of surface and subsurface features of the earth, its history and the operation of physical, chemical and biological systems that control its evolution
- Plan, direct and participate in geological, geochemical and geophysical field studies, drilling and geological testing programs
- Plan and conduct seismic, geodetic, electromagnetic, magnetic, gravimetric, radiometric, radar and other remote sensing programs
- Plan, direct and participate in analyses of geological, geochemical and geophysical survey data, well logs and other test results, maps, notes and cross sections
- Develop models and applied software for the analysis and interpretation of data
- Plan and conduct analytical studies of core samples, drill cuttings and rock samples to identify chemical, mineral, hydrocarbon and biological composition and to assess depositional environments and geological age
- Assess the size, orientation and composition of mineral ore bodies and hydrocarbon deposits
How to become one
Geoscientists require a university degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics or a related discipline. A master's or doctoral degree in geophysics, physics, mathematics or engineering may be required for employment as a geophysicist. Registration with a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers, geologists, geophysicists or geoscientists is usually required for employment and is mandatory to practice in all provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island and the Yukon. Geologists and geophysicists are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program and after several years of supervised work experience and, in some provinces, after passing a professional practice examination. Oceanographers require a university degree in science, mathematics, statistics or engineering and usually require a graduate degree in oceanography.
Ways in
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Registration with a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers, geologists, geophysicists or geoscientists is usually required for employment and is mandatory to practice in all provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island and the Yukon.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $97,500 a year The middle half earn $78,000 to $131,255.
- About 10,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 10,200 are projected by 2033. (+2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Physicists and astronomers
- Chemists
- Meteorologists and climatologists
- Other professional occupations in physical sciences
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Questions people ask
How do I become a geoscientist or oceanographer?
Geoscientists require a university degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics or a related discipline. A master's or doctoral degree in geophysics, physics, mathematics or engineering may be required for employment as a geophysicist. Registration with a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers, geologists, geophysicists or geoscientists is usually required for employment and is mandatory to practice in all provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island and the Yukon. Geologists and geophysicists are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program and after several years of supervised work experience and, in some provinces, after passing a professional practice examination. Oceanographers require a university degree in science, mathematics, statistics or engineering and usually require a graduate degree in oceanography.
How much does a geoscientist or oceanographer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $97,500 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $78,000 to $131,255.
Is a geoscientist or oceanographer a growing career in Canada?
Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2033: about 10,000 people now and 10,200 later (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a geoscientist or oceanographer?
Usually. 99% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03