Marine biologists' salaries vary widely depending on experience, location, employer, and education level.

United States Salary Overview

• The average salary for a marine biologist in the U.S. ranges roughly from $56,000 to $67,000 per year according to multiple sources

• Entry-level marine biologists typically earn between $29,000 and $50,000 annually

• Mid-career professionals with several years of experience can earn around $53,000 to $77,000 per year

• Senior or highly experienced marine biologists may earn upwards of $90,000 to over $128,000 annually, depending on their role and specialization

• Specialized roles such as marine veterinarians or marine geneticists can earn between $80,000 and $113,000 or more

• Salaries also vary by state; for example, in Florida, average salaries are around $57,000, with entry-level pay near $45,000 and senior roles exceeding $80,000

International Salary Example: Italy

• In Italy, marine biologists earn on average about 65,000 EUR per year, with a range from approximately 31,400 EUR to over 104,900 EUR depending on experience and other factors

Factors Influencing Salary

• Higher education degrees (master’s, PhD) and managing experience can increase earning potential

• Employment sector matters: marine biologists working at research institutions or universities often earn more, with some university positions paying between $58,000 and $198,000 annually (New Zealand example)

• Location, employer type, and specialization significantly impact salary.

In summary, marine biologists in the U.S. typically earn between $30,000 and $130,000 annually, with averages around $55,000 to $67,000, increasing with experience and specialization. Salaries vary internationally but show similar trends linked to experience and employer type.