Marine Biologist Salary in San Diego, CA
Marine Biologist salary data for San Diego, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Marine Biologist Salary in San Diego, CA — 2026
The median Marine Biologist salary in San Diego, CA is $107,200 per year ($8,933/month, $52/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 160, which is 60% above the national average.
Marine Biologist Take-Home Pay in San Diego
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $107,200 |
| Federal Tax | -$15,198 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$9,970 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$8,201 |
| Annual Take-Home | $73,832 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $6,153 |
Living Cost Comparison
Marine Biologist Requirements
Key Skills
San Diego Job Market Overview
San Diego, California has a population of 1,386,932 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Military, Biotech, Tourism. The local job growth rate is 2.2%, and the average commute time is 25 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Marine Biologist salary in San Diego, CA?
How much does a Marine Biologist take home in San Diego after taxes?
Is San Diego a good city for Marine Biologists?
What skills are needed for a Marine Biologist in San Diego?
How does Marine Biologist salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Marine Biologist salary in San Diego, CA?
The median Marine Biologist salary in San Diego, CA is $107,200 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Marine Biologists earn around $68,800, while senior-level professionals can earn $134,400 or more.
How much does a Marine Biologist take home in San Diego after taxes?
A Marine Biologist earning the median salary of $107,200 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $73,832 per year ($6,153/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 31.1%.
Is San Diego a good city for Marine Biologists?
San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Marine Biologists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.
What skills are needed for a Marine Biologist in San Diego?
Key skills for Marine Biologists include Marine Ecology, Fieldwork, Data Analysis, Scuba Diving, GIS. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include PADI Certification, Scientific Diving.
How does Marine Biologist salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
The national median Marine Biologist salary is $67,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $107,200, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.