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Marine biologist vs marine scientist

The differences between marine biologists and marine scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a marine biologist and a marine scientist. Additionally, a marine scientist has an average salary of $76,640, which is higher than the $54,008 average annual salary of a marine biologist.

The top three skills for a marine biologist include ecology, data analysis and water quality. The most important skills for a marine scientist are NOAA, water quality, and geotechnical.

Marine biologist vs marine scientist overview

Marine BiologistMarine Scientist
Yearly salary$54,008$76,640
Hourly rate$25.97$36.85
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs17,27357,007
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Marine biologist vs marine scientist salary

Marine biologists and marine scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Marine BiologistMarine Scientist
Average salary$54,008$76,640
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $84,000Between $45,000 And $128,000
Highest paying City-San Jose, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Center for Coastal Studies
Best paying industry--

Differences between marine biologist and marine scientist education

There are a few differences between a marine biologist and a marine scientist in terms of educational background:

Marine BiologistMarine Scientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Most common majorEcology, Population Biology, And EpidemiologyBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of California - DavisUniversity of California - Davis

Marine biologist vs marine scientist demographics

Here are the differences between marine biologists' and marine scientists' demographics:

Marine BiologistMarine Scientist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 54.1% Female, 45.9%Male, 47.7% Female, 52.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 10.3% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 2.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Asian, 11.1% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between marine biologist and marine scientist duties and responsibilities

Marine biologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage detailed GLP laboratory manual daily.
  • Navigate projects with GPS; create and interpret geospatial data (GIS).
  • Gain an in-depth working knowledge of GIS.
  • Enter data into NOAA databases and extrapolate data into graphs and charts.
  • Utilize hand-held GPS units during fieldwork to collect and organize spatial data.
  • Serve as program lead in writing and renewing permits involving ESA list species.
  • Show more

Marine scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage pediatric dose development project, technology transfer project and alternate API supplier qualification project on budget and on schedule
  • Conduct research and analyze data to identify potential biomarkers and provide input for selection of candidates for non-clinical studies development.
  • Facilitate customer acceptance of demand forecast by developing visualization processes, tutoring clients in methodology, and providing detail walk-through examples.

Marine biologist vs marine scientist skills

Common marine biologist skills
  • Ecology, 28%
  • Data Analysis, 14%
  • Water Quality, 5%
  • GPS, 5%
  • NOAA, 5%
  • Husbandry, 4%
Common marine scientist skills
  • NOAA, 32%
  • Water Quality, 28%
  • Geotechnical, 14%
  • DMR, 14%
  • Fisheries, 11%

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