If you’re fascinated by marine life and ocean research, you’ve probably wondered what a marine biologist actually earns in year.
The average marine biologist salary in the United States is about $45,781 per year for those just getting started in their early career. This is the average for your first 3 years. We will take a closer look at the overall average in just a moment.
There’s a lot that goes into how much a marine biologist takes home: education, experience, and whether you’re working for a government agency, a university, or a private company. Because of all these moving pieces, salary averages only tell part of the story—you really have to look at the range to get a sense of what’s possible.
Average Marine Biologist Salary
Incomes for marine biologists in the U.S. are all over the map, shaped by everything from where you live to how long you’ve been in the field. State-by-state differences and career stage matter—sometimes more than you’d expect.
National Salary Averages
On a national scale, the average mid-career marine biologist pulls in about $88,443 per year (as of April 2025). That’s an average across a lot of different job types and backgrounds, so it’s a bit of a grab bag.
If you’re a veteran and much further along in your career, total pay can be much higher—some estimates land at $138,418 per year for seasoned professionals, especially if you factor in bonuses and extra compensation. But let’s be real: not everyone’s making six figures. Entry-level gigs, especially at aquariums or research centers, might start closer to $34,000.
As we said before, most sources put the early-career average right around $45,781 per year. The numbers bounce around because marine biology covers so many different roles, from hands-on research to more practical jobs in the field.
Regional Salary Differences
Where you work matters—a lot. Coastal states and cities with big marine labs tend to pay more. The West Coast and places with strong marine science programs usually outpace landlocked regions in salary.
States like California, Washington, and Florida often lead the pack, thanks to their focus on ocean research and conservation. In these spots, pay can match or even beat the national average.
Meanwhile, marine biologists in the Midwest or other inland areas may see smaller paychecks. Local demand, cost of living, and what kinds of jobs are actually available all play into this. If you’re curious, you can check out more details at marine biologist salary by state.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience really pays off in this field. Entry-level folks usually see salaries between $34,000 and $48,500 a year. A lot of these jobs are at aquariums or as research assistants, often paying somewhere in the $14 to $22 per hour range.
With a few years under your belt, you can move up to project leader or senior scientist roles, which pay noticeably more. Higher degrees—like a master’s or PhD—open doors to better-paying jobs, too. At the top, experienced marine biologists can make over $88,000 a year, sometimes quite a bit more, depending on the job and your skill set.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Experience Level | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $34,000 – $48,500/year |
| Mid Level | $45,000 – $88,000/year |
| Senior Level | $88,000 – $138,000/year |
Key Factors Influencing Marine Biologist Pay
Plenty of things can nudge a marine biologist’s income up or down: education, workplace, and (no surprise) where you live. Understanding these factors can help if you’re thinking about getting into the field—or moving up.
Education and Credentials
Education is a big deal here. You can find entry-level jobs with a bachelor’s, but if you want to see bigger paychecks, a master’s or PhD is the way to go. These advanced degrees let you apply for research-heavy or leadership roles, which tend to pay more.
Certifications and extra training make a difference, too. If you’re a certified scuba diver or have specialized tech skills, employers might bump up your pay. It’s a way to show you’re serious and have something extra to offer.
And let’s not forget experience. The more hands-on work you’ve done, the more likely you are to land higher-paying gigs. Keeping your skills fresh and staying active in the field is key if you want to move up.
Industry and Sector Variation
Who you work for matters almost as much as what you do. Government jobs can be steady, but they don’t always pay top dollar. Private companies and environmental consulting firms often pay better, since they need experts for specialized projects.
Academic roles—teaching or research at universities—can be a mixed bag, since funding isn’t always reliable. Nonprofits usually have tighter budgets, but sometimes the work is more rewarding or unique.
Even within the same sector, your actual job title makes a difference. Working in a lab is different from doing fieldwork or shaping policy, and salaries reflect that.
Location and Cost of Living
Where you live can make or break your salary. Coastal cities and regions with lots of marine science activity usually pay more, but the cost of living is higher, too. Places like New York or San Diego offer bigger paychecks, but rent isn’t cheap.
If you’re far from the ocean, expect lower demand (and lower pay) for marine biologists. In high-cost cities like New York, NY, salaries are higher partly to offset expenses.
Moving to a new city might mean more money on paper, but local costs can eat up that extra income. It’s worth comparing salaries against what you’ll actually spend, as people often mention in discussions about regional demand.
Salary by Marine Biology Jobs & Specialization
Not all marine biologists do the same thing—or earn the same money. Your area of expertise, job environment, and experience level all play into your paycheck. Some specializations, especially with advanced degrees or government and academic work, tend to pay more.
Aquatic Ecologists
Aquatic ecologists look at how creatures interact in both fresh and saltwater settings. Their days might involve collecting water samples, tracking animals, or researching pollution and climate change.
Salaries here usually run from $40,000 to $80,000 a year. If you’ve got a master’s or PhD, or you’re working for a federal agency, you’ll probably be at the higher end.
Consulting firms and nonprofits also hire aquatic ecologists, but pay can vary. Most land somewhere in the middle, though senior folks or those with deep research backgrounds can pull in more.
Marine Mammalogists
This is the crowd that studies dolphins, whales, seals, and sea otters. Work ranges from field research and animal care to public outreach. It’s a popular and competitive niche.
Starting salaries for marine mammalogists are often in the $35,000 to $50,000 range. If you’ve got a doctorate or serious research chops, you might see more than $80,000, especially if you’re in academia or with a government agency.
Zoos, aquariums, and rescue centers also hire marine mammalogists, but those roles usually pay less than research or government jobs.
Fisheries Biologists
Fisheries biologists focus on fish populations, managing fisheries, and helping with conservation. Some days are spent in the field, others in the lab, and sometimes you’re working with policy makers.
These jobs usually pay between $45,000 and $85,000 a year, depending on whether you’re with a government agency, university, or private company.
With years of experience or a senior government role, you can get to the higher end. Entry-level or small-organization jobs tend to start lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marine biologist salaries really depend on location, education, and the type of work. Your employer and years on the job matter too—sometimes more than you’d expect.
What is the average starting salary for a marine biologist?
Entry-level marine biologists in the U.S. usually start below the national average for the field. Most are looking at $30,000 to $45,000 a year to begin with.
Some gigs, like aquarium jobs, start at hourly rates—think $14 to $22. Internships or fellowships? Those can pay even less, honestly.
How does marine biologist compensation vary by state?
You’ll see higher salaries in states with lots of coastline or big research hubs. California, Washington, and Florida tend to pay better, mostly because of demand and higher living costs.
Inland states or places with fewer marine jobs? Not so much—the pay usually drops.
What is the typical salary range for marine biologists in coastal areas?
In coastal regions where marine science is a bigger deal, salaries usually land between $50,000 and $88,000 a year. If you move up to senior roles or work for private companies, you might pull in more.
Of course, living by the ocean can be pricey, so sometimes the higher salary just keeps up with rent. And, yeah, the competition can get fierce.
How do education and experience levels impact a marine biologist’s salary?
If you’ve only got a bachelor’s degree, you’ll probably be on the lower end of the pay range. Earning a master’s or Ph.D. can bump you up to more specialized—and better paid—jobs.
With a few years of experience or some unique skills, marine biologists can earn well above the average salary for the field, which is around $80k range per year.
Are there notable differences in marine biologist salaries between the public and private sector?
Generally, marine biologists at universities or government agencies earn a bit less than those in private industry. Consulting firms or private companies usually pay more, sometimes with bonuses in the mix.
Academic and research jobs might offer more stability, but the salary ceiling can be lower than in the corporate world.
What are the potential career advancement and salary growth prospects for marine biologists?
With enough experience or maybe a couple of advanced degrees under your belt, marine biologists can find themselves stepping into senior or even management roles—those tend to come with a much nicer paycheck. Professors or senior researchers sometimes make over $100,000 a year, though that’s not always the norm everywhere.
Others end up shifting into policy work, consulting gigs, or corporate positions. Honestly, those paths can open the door to even bigger salary jumps, depending on where you land.