If you’re passionate about ocean life and ecosystems, becoming a marine biologist might be your dream career. But what’s the marine biologist salary like in 2025? Let’s explore how much marine biologists earn based on experience, job title, and location, plus strategies to boost your pay.
💰 Average Marine Biologist Salary in the U.S.
In 2025, the average marine biologist salary in the U.S. is around $56,000 to $97,000 per year, depending on role, experience, and industry sector. Entry-level marine biologists typically start lower, while those in government or private research can earn more.
| Career Stage | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| Senior Level (8+ yrs) | $90,000 – $110,000+ |
Explore more environmental science salaries on our Salary Explorer.
📍 Marine Biologist Salary by State
Salaries vary widely depending on where you work. Here’s a snapshot of average salaries in selected states:
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $94,000 |
| Florida | $78,000 |
| Hawaii | $82,000 |
| Washington | $89,000 |
| Alaska | $87,500 |
Want more regional data? Use our salary comparison tool.
🔬 What Affects Marine Biologist Salaries?
Several factors determine your pay as a marine biologist:
- Education – A master’s or Ph.D. often leads to higher salaries and research opportunities.
- Experience – Field research, diving certifications, and published work can increase your value.
- Employer Type – Government agencies, research institutions, and private environmental firms offer different pay scales.
- Specialization – Focusing on marine mammals, coral reef restoration, or fisheries science can influence salary range.
For more on marine careers, visit NOAA Ocean Careers.
💼 Popular Marine Biologist Job Titles and Salaries
Here are some common marine biology roles and their typical salary ranges:
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Marine Ecologist | $70,000 – $95,000 |
| Oceanographer | $80,000 – $105,000 |
| Fisheries Biologist | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| Marine Conservation Scientist | $65,000 – $90,000 |
| Environmental Consultant | $75,000 – $100,000 |
📈 How to Boost Your Marine Biologist Salary
Want to increase your income in this field? Try these proven strategies:
1. Specialize in In-Demand Fields
Coral restoration, climate change modeling, and marine GIS skills are increasingly sought after.
2. Obtain Advanced Degrees
Marine biologists with master’s or doctoral degrees often qualify for leadership and academic roles.
3. Seek Government or International Work
Agencies like NOAA, EPA, and international NGOs offer higher-paying opportunities.
4. Get Certified
Certifications in scuba diving, data analysis, or remote sensing add value to your resume.
Build your optimized resume with our AI Resume Generator.
🖼️ Suggested Images with Alt Text
- Image: Marine biologist studying coral reefs
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🔗 Related Keyphrases, Synonyms, Internal & External Links
Related Keyphrases & Synonyms:
- marine biology salary
- oceanographer salary
- marine scientist pay
- careers in marine biology
- environmental scientist salary
Internal Links:
Outbound Links:
- NOAA Marine Biologist Career Info
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
- Society for Conservation Biology
🌐 Final Thoughts on Marine Biologist Salaries
The marine biologist salary in 2025 reflects the growing importance of ocean conservation and climate science. While entry-level roles may start modestly, specialization and experience can lead to impressive earning potential. Explore more science salaries and tools at Salaryfeed.com.