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
$67,000
$5,583/mo
Entry Level
$43,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$84,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
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)
12K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$32.21/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,583
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
$70,000
$5,833/month · $2,692/biweekly · $33.65/hr
Marine Biologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Marine Biologist field.
Entry-level Marine Biologists earn around $43,000, while the top 10% earn $98,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Marine Biologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $79,000 | +$12,000 |
| Hawaii | $77,000 | +$10,000 |
| Massachusetts | $75,000 | +$8,000 |
| Washington | $75,000 | +$8,000 |
| Florida | $66,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Marine Biologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $76,000 | +$9,000 |
| Honolulu | $75,000 | +$8,000 |
| San Diego | $74,000 | +$7,000 |
| Woods Hole | $72,000 | +$5,000 |
| Miami | $68,000 | +$1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Marine Biologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Marine Biologist from entry level to expert.
$43,000
0-2 years
$64,000
3-7 years
$84,000
8-14 years
$113,000
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 $67,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $43,000, while senior professionals earn up to $84,000. Top earners in the field can make $113,000 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 12K 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 $79,000. 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 $43,000 to $84,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Marine Biologist Salary
How we calculate Marine Biologist salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $67,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Marine Biologist in the Science sector.
- Entry-level ($43,000) and senior-level ($84,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 12K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Science sector wages.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $67,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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