Marine Biologist Salary, Degree ROI & Career Outlook
Marine Biologist earns a $66,350 median salary, starts around $42,000, can reach $98,000, and has 5% projected job growth. Compare education requirements, salary upside, skills, employers, and degree ROI signals.
Reviewed June 12, 2026. DegreeCalc calculators are educational planning tools; verify final tuition, aid, transcript, loan, and employment decisions with official school, federal, servicer, or employer records.
Quick answer
Marine Biologist pays a median salary of $66,350 in the United States, with entry roles around $42,000 and senior roles around $98,000. The role has 5% projected growth and typically requires Bachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology or Oceanography. Use the salary estimator and ROI snapshot below to judge whether the education path is worth the cost.
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Career ROI snapshot
Marine Biologist Pay, Growth & Education Fit
Marine Biologist has a $66,350 median salary, $42,000 entry-level salary, and $98,000 senior salary. Compared with other Science & Research careers in this database, the median salary is below the category average by -20%, while projected growth is below the peer average by 7.4 percentage points.
Vs. category salary
-20%
peer avg $83,125
Growth spread
-7.4 pts
category avg 12.4%
Senior upside
+133%
senior vs entry pay
Monthly median
$5,529
before taxes and benefits
| Decision factor | Marine Biologist signal | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Education investment | Bachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology or Oceanography | Compare tuition, time to credential, and required internships against the entry-level salary. |
| Income runway | $42,000 entry to $98,000 senior | Use the salary range to estimate payback time and whether graduate school or certification is justified. |
| Demand risk | 5% projected growth, as fast as average outlook | Higher growth gives more room for career switching; slower growth makes specialization and networking more important. |
| Skill leverage | Field Research, Data Collection, Species Identification, Statistical Analysis | Prioritize projects, certificates, or coursework that prove these skills before graduation. |
Salary Estimator
Salary Range
Key Skills
Recommended Certifications
- 1PADI Dive Certification
- 2GIS Certification
Top Employers
Education Path
To pursue a career as a Marine Biologist, you will typically need: Bachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology or Oceanography.
While job growth is moderate, skilled professionals continue to find opportunities. Specialization and certifications can improve prospects.
Data Sources: Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024–2025 edition). Job growth projections are 10-year estimates (2023–2033). Last updated March 2026.
Methodology & Career Data Sources
How we calculate Marine Biologist salary and outlook data: Our salary estimates, growth projections, and career outlook combine multiple federal labor datasets. Salary figures reflect national medians; actual pay varies by employer, location, specialization, and experience level.
- Salary data sourced from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the authoritative federal survey of employment and wages across 800+ occupations.
- Job growth projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), covering 10-year projections (2023–2033 base period) for all major occupations.
- Salary progression model combines OEWS percentile data (P10, P25, P50, P75, P90) with career-stage adjustments based on BLS Employment Cost Index trends.
- Education requirements cross-referenced with College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) earnings data for graduates in this field.
- Certification value assessed using O*NET occupational database (US Dept of Labor), which catalogs skills, abilities, and knowledge requirements per occupation.
Authoritative US labor and career data sources:
- BLS OEWS — Occupational Employment and Wages — median salary by occupation
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — job growth and career outlook 2023–2033
- O*NET Online (US Dept of Labor) — skills, education, and knowledge requirements
- College Scorecard — earnings outcomes by field of study and institution
- BLS Employment Cost Index (ECI) — wage growth trends by industry sector
- DOL Registered Apprenticeships — alternative credentialing pathways
Career Disclaimer: Salary figures represent national medians from the most recent BLS OEWS survey. Actual compensation varies significantly by employer, metropolitan area, industry sector, and individual experience. Growth projections are estimates and subject to economic conditions. Use this data as one input alongside current job listings and informational interviews.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · BLS OEWS & OOH data current as of 2024–2025 edition
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for a Marine Biologist?
The median salary for a Marine Biologist is $66,350 per year. Entry-level positions start around $42,000, while senior roles can earn up to $98,000.
What education do you need to become a Marine Biologist?
To become a Marine Biologist, you typically need a Bachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology or Oceanography. Relevant certifications include PADI Dive Certification, GIS Certification.
What is the job outlook for Marine Biologist?
The job outlook for Marine Biologist is as fast as average, with a projected growth rate of 5% over the next decade.
What skills do you need to be a Marine Biologist?
Key skills for a Marine Biologist include Field Research, Data Collection, Species Identification, Statistical Analysis, Scuba Diving. Continuous learning and professional development are also important.
Where do Marine Biologists work?
Marine Biologists typically work in field/laboratory settings. Top employers include NOAA, Woods Hole Oceanographic, Scripps Institution, Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Is Marine Biologist a good career in 2026?
Marine Biologist offers stable employment with a median salary of $66,350, though growth is moderate.