Marine Biologist Salary Overview
The Marine Biologist is a sought-after profession in the United States with a median annual salary of $68,400. Compensation typically ranges from $40,200 for entry-level positions to $108,600 for experienced professionals in high-demand markets.Salary Range: The typical Marine Biologist in the US earns between $40,200 and $108,600 per year, with a median of $68,400.
Marine Biologist Salary by Experience
Entry-level marine biologists earn around $44,460, while those with 10+ years of experience can earn $92,340 or more.
| Level | Salary | Hourly | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $44,460 | $21/hr | $36,803 |
| Mid | $68,400 | $33/hr | $53,935 |
| Senior | $87,552 | $42/hr | $65,699 |
| Lead | $102,600 | $49/hr | $74,886 |
Marine Biologist Salary by State (After Tax)
Gross salary, federal tax, state tax, and estimated take-home pay for a Marine Biologist in each US state.
Pay for marine biologists varies significantly by state, with coastal and high-cost-of-living areas generally offering higher salaries to offset expenses.
| State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,255 | $5,233 | $53,250 | 22.1% |
| Alaska | $68,400 | $6,662 | $0 | $5,233 | $56,505 | 17.4% |
| Arizona | $68,400 | $6,662 | $1,345 | $5,233 | $55,160 | 19.4% |
| Arkansas | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,783 | $5,233 | $53,722 | 21.5% |
| California | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,570 | $5,233 | $53,935 | 21.1% |
| Colorado | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,350 | $5,233 | $54,156 | 20.8% |
| Connecticut | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,012 | $5,233 | $53,493 | 21.8% |
| Delaware | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,283 | $5,233 | $53,222 | 22.2% |
| District of Columbia | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,097 | $5,233 | $53,408 | 21.9% |
| Florida | $68,400 | $6,662 | $0 | $5,233 | $56,505 | 17.4% |
| Georgia | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,096 | $5,233 | $53,409 | 21.9% |
| Hawaii | $68,400 | $6,662 | $4,715 | $5,233 | $51,790 | 24.3% |
| Idaho | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,120 | $5,233 | $53,385 | 22.0% |
| Illinois | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,248 | $5,233 | $53,257 | 22.1% |
| Indiana | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,086 | $5,233 | $54,419 | 20.4% |
| Iowa | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,599 | $5,233 | $53,906 | 21.2% |
| Kansas | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,242 | $5,233 | $53,264 | 22.1% |
| Kentucky | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,610 | $5,233 | $53,896 | 21.2% |
| Louisiana | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,326 | $5,233 | $54,180 | 20.8% |
| Maine | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,384 | $5,233 | $53,121 | 22.3% |
| Maryland | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,075 | $5,233 | $53,430 | 21.9% |
| Massachusetts | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,200 | $5,233 | $53,305 | 22.1% |
| Michigan | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,669 | $5,233 | $53,836 | 21.3% |
| Minnesota | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,201 | $5,233 | $53,305 | 22.1% |
| Mississippi | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,637 | $5,233 | $53,869 | 21.2% |
| Missouri | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,412 | $5,233 | $54,093 | 20.9% |
| Montana | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,928 | $5,233 | $53,577 | 21.7% |
| Nebraska | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,474 | $5,233 | $54,031 | 21.0% |
| Nevada | $68,400 | $6,662 | $0 | $5,233 | $56,505 | 17.4% |
| New Hampshire | $68,400 | $6,662 | $0 | $5,233 | $56,505 | 17.4% |
| New Jersey | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,287 | $5,233 | $54,219 | 20.7% |
| New Mexico | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,357 | $5,233 | $54,149 | 20.8% |
| New York | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,320 | $5,233 | $53,186 | 22.2% |
| North Carolina | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,504 | $5,233 | $54,001 | 21.1% |
| North Dakota | $68,400 | $6,662 | $1,049 | $5,233 | $55,456 | 18.9% |
| Ohio | $68,400 | $6,662 | $1,163 | $5,233 | $55,343 | 19.1% |
| Oklahoma | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,759 | $5,233 | $53,747 | 21.4% |
| Oregon | $68,400 | $6,662 | $5,460 | $5,233 | $51,046 | 25.4% |
| Pennsylvania | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,100 | $5,233 | $54,406 | 20.5% |
| Rhode Island | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,169 | $5,233 | $54,336 | 20.6% |
| South Carolina | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,750 | $5,233 | $53,755 | 21.4% |
| South Dakota | $68,400 | $6,662 | $0 | $5,233 | $56,505 | 17.4% |
| Tennessee | $68,400 | $6,662 | $0 | $5,233 | $56,505 | 17.4% |
| Texas | $68,400 | $6,662 | $0 | $5,233 | $56,505 | 17.4% |
| Utah | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,181 | $5,233 | $53,325 | 22.0% |
| Vermont | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,574 | $5,233 | $53,932 | 21.2% |
| Virginia | $68,400 | $6,662 | $3,417 | $5,233 | $53,089 | 22.4% |
| Washington | $68,400 | $6,662 | $0 | $5,233 | $56,505 | 17.4% |
| West Virginia | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,614 | $5,233 | $53,892 | 21.2% |
| Wisconsin | $68,400 | $6,662 | $2,537 | $5,233 | $53,968 | 21.1% |
| Wyoming | $68,400 | $6,662 | $0 | $5,233 | $56,505 | 17.4% |
Top Cities for Marine Biologist Pay
The highest-paying metro areas for marine biologists tend to be major metropolitan centers with strong industry demand and higher costs of living.
| City | Avg Salary |
|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | $75,240 |
| Honolulu, HI | $75,240 |
| Seattle, WA | $75,240 |
| Woods Hole, MA | $75,240 |
| Miami, FL | $75,240 |
Calculate Marine Biologist Take-Home Pay
Adjust the state and filing status to see your estimated after-tax income.
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How to Become a Marine Biologist
Becoming a marine biologist typically requires relevant education, training, or certification in the field. Many employers also value practical experience, professional development, and industry-specific credentials.Marine Biologist Career Outlook
Employment of marine biologists is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, driven by continued demand across industries. Professionals who stay current with evolving requirements and build specialized expertise will find the strongest job prospects.Marine Biologist Salary FAQ
The median annual salary for marine biologists in the US is $68,400, with a typical range from $40,200 to $108,600 depending on experience and location.
The highest-paying states for marine biologists include CA, HI, WA. These states typically have strong demand and higher costs of living.
Entry-level marine biologists can expect to earn around $44,460 per year, with salary increasing as they gain experience and expertise.
Being a marine biologist can be a rewarding career with solid compensation and growth potential. Job outlook is generally positive across most regions.
The median hourly rate for marine biologists is approximately $32.88, though this varies based on experience, location, and employer.