If you are passionate about the environment, pursuing a career in marine biology would be perfect for you. That is because you get to make a difference by studying organisms and ecosystems in the ocean and saltwater environments. But do marine biologists get paid well? Get to know the average marine biologist’s salary in the U.S. in 2022 here. Read more: https://briefly.co.za/facts-lifehacks/business/127165-what-average-marine-biologists-salary-united-states-2022
If you plan on pursuing this course, you may be torn on if it is the right profession for you. Perhaps discovering marine biologists’ salaries would offer more motivation to pursue the course. So, do marine biologists make a lot of money? Let us explore the average marine biologist’s salary in the U.S. as of 2022. Read more: https://briefly.co.za/facts-lifehacks/business/127165-what-average-marine-biologists-salary-united-states-2022/
Marine biologists are sought-after employees, and starting salaries for these jobs vary greatly by location. In many areas, $60,000-$80,000 is a typical starting offer. Next year that salary could be even higher due to required experience and increased need for scientists in this field.
Starting Salary For Marine Biologist Overview
Do you love spending time on the ocean? Are you interested in dolphins and whales? While many marine biologists study these intelligent and endearing creatures, there are several areas of study within the field. Marine biologists may study anything from the largest whale down to tiny plankton, microbes, and even the seawater itself. The sea and its denizens are facing the challenges of coexisting with commercial shipping, recreational boating, plastics, chemicals, and other issues associated with human activities. Marine biologists study how these activities affect marine life, and suggest alternatives to minimize or prevent them.
The average salary for a marine biologist is $57,000 annually, or $27.00 per hour. This is based on an estimated 1,971,490 people in the United States working as marine biologists. The salary ranges from $35,000 to $83,000. The median salary is $53,000 annually or $24.00 per hour.
Marine Biologists were among the highest-paid professionals in the nation in 2014, earning an average annual salary of $82,790 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, this figure does not include bonuses or other incentive pay; only base pay and benefits are included in these figures. The lowest 10 percent of marine biologists earn less than $37,480 per year while the highest 10 percent earn more than $120,090 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What Is a Marine Biologist?
Marine biologists study life in the oceans, and sometimes the oceans themselves. They may investigate the behavior and physiological processes of marine species, or the diseases and environmental conditions that affect them. They may also assess the impacts of human activities on marine life. Many marine biologists work under job titles such as wildlife biologist, zoologist, fish and wildlife biologist, fisheries biologist, aquatic biologist, conservation biologist, and biological technician.
Responsibilities of a Marine Biologist
Marine biologists have various roles and responsibilities in management and leadership. They have to manage agencies and oversee that the environmental regulations are being followed regarding the ecosystem in question. They must formulate proposals to receive funds for research and fieldwork, not to mention scientific papers. They also have to do many internships and monitor the natural habitats of endangered species and marine mammals like dolphins and seals.
They must present their findings at conferences in front of stakeholders and policymakers. They are responsible for making people aware of the impact of human activities on marine animal behaviour, issues like climate change and excessive fishing.
Marine Biologist Degree
An important thing to consider while taking up a marine biologist degree is the university that offers marine biology courses. When choosing a university, the candidate must look out for universities that provide practical training and the necessary theoretical know-how.
A marine biologist must pursue vigorous education to become eligible to work. The starting point for any student who intends to choose this career path is an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree. As an undergrad, you can pursue biology or zoology or choose marine biology.
It isn’t necessary that you must choose marine biology during your undergraduate years to become a marine biologist. It is also advisable for undergrads to pursue engineering, mathematics or computer science courses in addition to natural science education. These subjects can assist your career greatly and give you more options to apply in various situations.
What Does a Marine Biologist Do?
Marine biologists study marine organisms in their natural habitats. They may investigate a population’s behaviors or physiology. Or, they may assess the condition of habitats, and the effects of human activity on those animals and habitats.
Their research typically involves conducting species inventories, testing and monitoring sea creatures exposed to pollutants, collecting and testing ocean samples, preserving specimens and samples of unknown species and diseases, and mapping the distribution, ranges, or movements of marine populations.
In some cases, they may recommend alternative industrial practices to minimize negative effects on marine species and habitats. They may also communicate their findings and recommendations by writing reports and scientific journal articles.
Some marine biologists specialize in marine biotechnology. In other words, they investigate the adaptations and advantages of marine species and how they might be applied to industrial processes. For instance, one biotech company has mimicked the structure of shark skin to create doorknobs that germs and viruses such as MRSA can’t attach to. This is a promising and interesting area of the field.
Marine Biologist Salary
Though there is no detailed data on the salary of marine biologists around the world, according to payscale.com, marine biologists across different levels have a salary range as mentioned below:
Entry-level
Experience plays a huge role in the success of your career as a marine biologist, but your early days will not have a low salary either. An entry-level marine biologist with less than five years experience can expect an average salary of $49,000. This is a significantly high amount to earn for someone starting their way on the field. You can make more with overtime work, extra projects, etc.
Mid-level
A marine biologist that has been in the field for more than 5 to 10 years can expect an average salary of $51,000. This isn’t all that different from the average entry-level salary, but you can find plenty of top companies that pay higher than this amount. You will easily find more demanding work if you have the talent and achievements.
Experienced
An experienced marine biologist with 10 to 20 years of work experience can expect an average salary of $60,000. This is also relative to your achievements and the company you work for.
What Is the Average Marine Biologist Salary?
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t collect data on marine biologists specifically, they are included with zoologists and wildlife biologists. As of 2020, the median salary for marine biologists was $66,350. Those employed by the federal government earned more than those in state government and other sectors.*
