In a nod to World Water Day which was observed last Friday, Career & Education turns the spotlight on water-based careers, whether they are related to conservation, fisheries, life preservation, shipbuilding or sailing. Here is a list of 10 jobs for water lovers in alphabetical order.

Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data,

Aquaculture worker

What you need: A high-school diploma may be needed; physical stamina, strength and mechanical skills are a must. On the job training is usually provided.

What you’d make: US$20,090 per year

Aquarist

What you need: A high-school diploma is a minimum requirement; a bachelor’s degree usually is needed to specifically work with marine life. Degrees in marine biology, animal science, biology or a related field are most common.

What you’d make: US$21,260 per year

Commercial diver

What you need: A commercial diver needs certification and training to dive alone or in certain areas. You’d also need knowledge of the tools and equipment that are used on the job.

What you’d make: US$50,470 per year

Fisherman

What you need: Traditional education is not needed to be a fisherman, but it does help to go through a two-year vocational-technical programme. Most fishermen learn on the job. Working on a large commercial fishing vessel requires a training course approved by the US Coast Guard.

What you’d make: US$28,100 per year

Hydrologist

What you need: Hydrologists need a bachelor’s degree, but many also get a master’s degree.

What you’d make: US$79,550 per year

Lifeguard

What you need: No formal education is needed to be a lifeguard, but specific training and certifications are necessary.

What you’d make: US$19,500 per year

Marine biologist

What you need: Degrees in zoology, wildlife biology or ecology are typical for marine biologists. For entry-level marine biologist positions, a bachelor’s degree is needed. Master’s degrees are often required for higher-level investigative work, and PhDs are necessary for independent research or university positions.

What you’d make: US$59,680 per year

Marine navigation officer —

What you need: A degree in nautical sciences is standard but there are several ways you can enter this career. If you want to become a navigator in the US Merchant Marines, you can attend the US Merchant Marines Academy, or one of the six state academies. You must also complete a written examination, a physical test and a drug test. Following successful completion you will be licensed as a third mate. You can then move up by the ranks to eventually become a ship’s master or captain.

As for the US Coast Guard, you can become a navigator by enroling in the Coast Guard Academy following graduation from high school, or by enrolling in its officer training school following college graduation.

And for the United States Navy, you can work in navigation as a non-commissioned quartermaster or as a commissioned surface warfare officer.

What you’d make: US$67,730 per year

Naval architect

What you need: A bachelor’s degree in naval architecture is needed. You’re more likely to get hired with practical experience, so enrol in programmes that will give you class credit for hands-on work. Many maritime academies provide hands-on experiences at sea.

What you’d make: US$93,110 per year

Oceanographer

What you need: A bachelor’s degree is needed for entry level positions, but many oceanographers also have a master’s degree.

What you’d make: US$89,700 per year

Ship captain

What you need: Becoming a captain usually requires years of experience working your way up from entry-level positions.

What you’d make: US$55,000 per year

Water & Wastewater engineer

What you need: A bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical, or chemical engineering is required for almost all entry-level water or wastewater engineering jobs. Admissions requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a solid background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, and physics), in addition to courses in English, social studies, and humanities.

What you’d make: US$84,890

— monster.com & sciencebuddies.org