Oceanographers work for the federal government, for private industry and for universities.
They work in research, education, problem solving, and regulatory and administrative roles. Between 1976 and 1984, the average annual growth rate for ocean science and engineering employment was between five and ten percent. The most significant recent development in employment of oceanographers is related to the dramatic reduction in overall petroleum industry activity. A significant fraction of geological and geophysical oceanography graduates have typically found employment in this industry. An over-supply of biological oceanographers in the last few years has been partially overcome by reduced enrollment in educational programs in this field.