Marine Biologist

What Marine Biologists do

Marine Biologists study animals, in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.

Work Environment:

Most marine biologists work full time. Marine Biologists work in more of a oceanic setting. Depending on their job, they also may spend time outdoors, gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.

How to become a Marine Biologist

Marine Biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions and may need a master’s degree for higher level jobs. They typically need a Ph.D. to lead research projects.

Marine Biologist Pay

The median annual wage for Marine Biologists was $72,860 in May 2024.

Job Outlook

Employment of Marine Biologoist is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,400 openings for marine biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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