Marine Biologist Salary in 2026
Marine biologists study ocean organisms and ecosystems, conducting field research on marine life and habitats. They investigate biodiversity, conservation, and the impacts of climate change on oceans.
Median Salary
$76,780
$6,398/mo
Entry Level
$49,300
starting pay
Senior Level
$96,300
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (SOC 19-1023, the closest published occupation to Marine Biologist) at a national median of $76,780 per year (mean $83,020), or $36.91 per hour, with 18,120 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Marine Biologist Overview
Marine biologists study ocean organisms and ecosystems, conducting field research on marine life and habitats. They investigate biodiversity, conservation, and the impacts of climate change on oceans.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
18K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$36.91/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,398
Marine Biologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Marine Biologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Marine Biologist Salary
$80,000
$6,667/month · $3,077/biweekly · $38.46/hr
Marine Biologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Marine Biologist field.
Entry-level Marine Biologists earn around $49,300, while the top 10% earn $112,900 or more.
Top Paying States for Marine Biologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $91,000 | +$14,220 |
| Hawaii | $88,000 | +$11,220 |
| Massachusetts | $86,000 | +$9,220 |
| Washington | $86,000 | +$9,220 |
| Florida | $75,000 | $-1,780 |
Top Paying Cities for Marine Biologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $88,000 | +$11,220 |
| Honolulu | $86,000 | +$9,220 |
| San Diego | $84,000 | +$7,220 |
| Woods Hole | $83,000 | +$6,220 |
| Miami | $78,000 | +$1,220 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Marine Biologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Marine Biologist from entry level to expert.
$49,300
0-2 years
$73,000
3-7 years
$96,300
8-14 years
$129,500
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Marine Biologist Salary FAQ
How much does a Marine Biologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Marine Biologist in the United States is $76,780 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (SOC 19-1023); the mean is $83,020. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $49,300, senior professionals around $96,300, and top earners at $129,500 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Marine Biologist?
A Marine Biologist typically requires a Master's Degree with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Marine Ecology, Fieldwork, Data Analysis. Relevant certifications such as PADI Certification or Scientific Diving can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Marine Biologists?
The job market for Marine Biologists is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 18K Marine Biologist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Marine Biologists the most?
The highest-paying states for Marine Biologists include California, Florida, Hawaii. In California, the median salary is approximately $91,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Marine Biologist salary?
To increase your Marine Biologist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Marine Ecology and Fieldwork. Pursue certifications such as PADI Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Diego. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $49,300 to $96,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Marine Biologist Salary
How we calculate Marine Biologist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (SOC 19-1023), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $76,780, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists; BLS mean $83,020; BLS hourly median $36.91.
- Entry-level ($49,300) and senior-level ($96,300) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 18,120 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $76,780; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Marine Biologist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Marine Biologist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Marine Biologist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Marine Ecology, Fieldwork, Data Analysis), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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