Marine biologists in the United States earn varying salaries depending on experience, education, specialization, and employer. The average salary generally ranges from about $45,000 to $67,000 per year:

• Indeed.com reports an average salary of approximately $66,877 annually for marine biologists in the U.S., with higher pay for more technical roles and those with advanced degrees or extensive research experience

• PayScale lists the average salary at about $55,997 in 2025, with entry-level salaries around $50,718 and top salaries reaching up to $98,000 per year

• SoFi notes a typical salary around $45,781 per year, with entry-level marine biologists earning between $40,000 and $50,000. Specialized roles like marine veterinarians or marine ecologists can earn between $80,000 and $113,000 annually

• Salary.com provides a higher average estimate of about $88,108 per year, with a broad range from roughly $36,000 to $140,000 depending on position and qualifications

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (via Unity Environmental University), zoologists and wildlife biologists (including marine biologists) earned an average of $72,610 in 2022, with the top 10% earning over $103,900

Salaries can also vary significantly by location and employer type. For example, marine biologists working for government research agencies or universities may earn from $58,000 up to nearly $200,000 in some cases (data from New Zealand but indicative of variability)

. In summary, marine biologists in the U.S. typically earn between $45,000 and $70,000 annually on average, with potential to earn six figures in specialized or senior roles. Entry-level positions start around $40,000 to $50,000, and advanced degrees and experience can significantly increase earning potential