GraduateSmart
GraduateSmart
Study ocean life including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Grouped with zoologists and wildlife biologists, who examine the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife, and may specialize in research and management.
$46,600
Lower reported wage
—
Not available in our data
$108,020
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.

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Create free account →BLS profiles wildlife biologists broadly; marine specialization and field permits depend on the project. [1]
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U.S. career guide. Program, employer, and state requirements can differ.
No Marine Biologist SOC. Mapped to 19-1023 Zoologists/Wildlife Biologists (mean $77,920; 19,500 jobs). High competition; many require PhD.
Annual median review, October 27, 2026: The stored BLS occupation includes a broader population than this specialty, title, or credential. No separate annual median for this role has been verified in the reviewed source, so the broader occupation median is not presented as its own. Sources: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oes_stru.htm . Existing employment and projection figures were not refreshed.
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Ask whether any internship, field placement, or supervised training in your chosen route is paid; arrangements vary. [1]
Compare tuition after aid, required supplies and exams, travel, and any unpaid training time for the route you choose.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
A direct subject route; add statistics, fieldwork, and research experience. [1]
Study marine organisms and habitats through field observations, samples, and data analysis. [1]
Related biologists work in laboratories, offices, and field sites, sometimes near or on water. [1]
Usually full time; field trips and seasonal studies can change hours. [1]
Weather, travel, physical fieldwork, and careful data handling may all be part of the job. [1]
Graduate study and research experience may support independent projects or team leadership. [1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.