How much do marine biologists make?
Marine biologists in the U.S. earn a median of roughly $72,860 a year, about $35 an hour, based on the broader zoologist and wildlife biologist category they fall under. Entry-level pay starts near $41,000 while top earners make over $109,000.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (bottom 10%) | Under $41,270 / yr | About $20/hr; new graduates, technicians, and field assistants. |
| Median (national) | ~$72,860 / yr | Roughly $35/hr; BLS zoologist and wildlife biologist median, May 2024 data. |
| Mid-career / specialist | $70,000–$90,000 / yr | Experienced researchers and roles requiring advanced degrees. |
| Top earners (top 10%) | Over $109,390 / yr | About $53+/hr; senior, federal, or supervisory positions. |
What marine biologists earn
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track marine biologists as a separate occupation; they are counted within the broader group of zoologists and wildlife biologists, which had a median annual wage of about $72,860 as of May 2024, or roughly $35 an hour. The lowest 10% earned less than $41,270, while the highest 10% earned more than $109,390.
Estimates focused specifically on the marine-biologist title vary widely across salary databases, ranging from the mid-$50,000s to well over $100,000 depending on methodology, region, and which roles are included. That spread reflects how broad the field is, spanning hands-on field technicians, lab researchers, university faculty, and government scientists.
What drives the pay range
Education and employer are the biggest factors. Many entry-level positions require only a bachelor's degree and pay near the bottom of the range, while research and faculty roles often require a master's or PhD and pay considerably more. Federal and state government scientists, along with private industry and consulting positions, tend to pay above academic and nonprofit jobs.
Location and experience also matter. Coastal regions and areas with strong ocean-research institutions, federal labs, or marine industries generally offer more opportunities and higher pay. As with most science careers, salaries climb meaningfully with years of experience, publications, grant success, and the move into senior or supervisory roles.
Job outlook and getting started
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow about 2% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average across all occupations, so the field is competitive and many positions are grant-funded or seasonal. Candidates who broaden their skills in data analysis, statistics, and fieldwork tend to have an edge.
Most careers begin with a bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, or a related science, often paired with internships or volunteer field experience. Advancing into higher-paying research and leadership roles typically means earning a graduate degree, which is also where the largest jumps in pay occur.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is there no official 'marine biologist' salary figure?
- The BLS groups marine biologists under zoologists and wildlife biologists, so the median of about $72,860 comes from that broader category rather than the marine title alone.
- How much do entry-level marine biologists make?
- Entry-level roles typically pay near the bottom of the range, under about $41,000 a year, often as technicians or field assistants holding a bachelor's degree.
- Do you need a graduate degree to earn more?
- Generally yes. The higher-paying research, faculty, and senior government roles usually require a master's or PhD, which is where pay rises most.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.