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Job outlook for marine scientists in the United States
Are marine scientist jobs in demand?
Marine scientist job and salary trends over time
Marine scientist jobs over time
Marine scientist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 224 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 242 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 271 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 251 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 249 | 0.00% |
Average marine scientist salary over time
Marine scientist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $76,640 | $36.85 | +4.9% |
| 2024 | $73,083 | $35.14 | --0.2% |
| 2023 | $73,256 | $35.22 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $71,951 | $34.59 | +2.9% |
| 2021 | $69,906 | $33.61 | +1.4% |
Marine scientist jobs by state
Most common states for marine scientists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 118 | 16% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 850 | 14% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 136 | 14% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,109 | 13% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 115 | 13% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 79 | 13% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 165 | 12% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 155 | 12% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 89 | 12% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 737 | 11% |
| 11 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 78 | 11% |
| 12 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 63 | 11% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 939 | 10% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 351 | 10% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 110 | 10% |
| 16 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 105 | 10% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 927 | 9% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 183 | 9% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 991 | 8% |
| 20 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 316 | 8% |
Most common cities for marine scientists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelmsford | 1 | 3% | $79,118 |
| 2 | Dania Beach | 1 | 3% | $57,704 |
| 3 | Columbia | 1 | 1% | $74,334 |
| 4 | Silver Spring | 1 | 1% | $73,891 |
| 5 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $73,730 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $48,906 |
| 7 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $79,688 |
Marine Scientist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of marine scientist experts
University of Northern Iowa
Northwestern University
Lake Superior State University
Coastal Carolina University
Stockton University
Pennsylvania State University - York
Cornell University
Norfolk State University
Carthage College
American University
Quinnipiac University
Maryville University
Paine College
William & Mary
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Kansas State University
Doverspike Consulting/HR LItehouse
Tiffin University
What general advice would you give to a Marine Scientist?
Theresa Spradling: All of the jobs that biologists do help other people, and that brings biologists personal satisfaction with their job.
Dr. Paul Caradonna PhD
Conservation Scientist (Associate Professor)Northwestern University
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, And Population Biology
What will help Marine Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Paul Caradonna PhD: Several skills come to mind: creative problem solving, ability to translate science into action/practice, quantitive/data analysis skills, and general science communication. Which skills are most important really depends on the specific job, but these are the types of skills we need. Ecologists are increasingly called upon to help with all sorts of environmental issues and that means we need creative and dynamic people!
What general advice would you give to a Marine Scientist?
Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski Ph.D.: Traditional fisheries skills such as setting and lifting nets, and collecting biological data from fish will continue to be important. Managing, analyzing, and interpreting data using spreadsheets and statistical software are also essential in fisheries. Other skills such as acoustic telemetry (deploying & maintaining receivers, implanting fish with transmitters), analyzing spatial data or other 'big data' sets, and laboratory skills (e.g., eDNA, water quality, emerging contaminants) are likely to increase in demand as technologies continue to develop.
What general advice would you give to a Marine Scientist?
Jennifer Slate PhD: Because there are so many types of jobs in biology, there is a job to suit everyone! Jobs may be people-oriented, focus primarily on labwork, or even allow one to spend time outdoors. Many (but not all) jobs in biology require further education after finishing the bachelor’s degree. Biology graduates often go on to health professional programs, to obtain teaching certification, or to obtain a master’s or PhD degree.
What will help Marine Scientists increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Slate PhD: There are so many different types of jobs in biology, to suit people of different interests. Biologists work in health care, in research labs, in environmental protection, and in teaching- just to name a few fields. Responsibilities on a day-to-day basis will depend upon the particular job field. Common skills required on a daily basis include use of computer software, ability to make and record detailed observations, and teamwork/communication skills.
What general advice would you give to a Marine Scientist?
Danielle Silvia: There are many emerging trends and changes in the natural world making biology a fascinating career to embark on. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of biology is predicted to see a 5% increase in job growth through 2032, as biologists are in high demand across areas such as healthcare, environmental science, sustainability, biotechnology, and more. Due to pressing issues like climate change, the disappearance of species and nature, public health crises, drug development, and genetic engineering, becoming a biologist today will provide career advancement tomorrow. You’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in important areas of society while pursuing an intellectually stimulating career for the long-term.
What Marine Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Danielle Silvia: A day in the life of a biologist typically involves researching various forms of life, such as bacteria, animals, plants, how they impact the world around them, and vice versa. Biologists may run experiments to work towards answering these questions, using some of the latest and greatest scientific tools and techniques in a laboratory setting. The job scope also includes collecting and reviewing data from research and experiments, and creating reports based on findings to solve important problems. Biologists work at all levels on organisms from the molecular to the whole organism to populations.
What will help Marine Scientists increase their earning potential?
Danielle Silvia: Working in the field of biology offers a variety of distinct occupations, and the likes and dislikes may vary from person to person. However, if you’re somebody who enjoys thinking analytically, asking big questions then testing them, and exploring natural environments, this career path may be the right fit for you.
Derek Crane Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCoastal Carolina University
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, And Population Biology
What general advice would you give to a Marine Scientist?
Derek Crane Ph.D.: The great thing about biology is that it is an incredibly broad and diverse field that people with a variety of skill sets and interests can work in. Based on the field of biology someone is in, their day-to-day activities can vary from sampling and observing plants and animals, working in a lab processing samples, or analyzing data and communicating results (sometimes all within a single day for someone!). Entry-level biologists are typically involved in more of the hands-on work in the field or lab, collecting data, and as they gain experience they become more involved in the analytical and communication aspects of the job.
What will help Marine Scientists increase their earning potential?
Derek Crane Ph.D.: Some of our greatest challenges as a global society, such as food security under a changing climate, predicting, preventing, and handling of future pandemics, and rapid loss of biodiversity are based in biology. We need smart, energetic, and motivated people to address these issues.
What general advice would you give to a Marine Scientist?
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: Biology offers a variety of career opportunities in labs, industry, journalism, environmental organizations, policy-making, teaching, etc. The field is essential for addressing societal challenges and is stable in society.
What Marine Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: Biologists enjoy different aspects such as fieldwork, lab work, data analysis, and communicating scientific concepts. Some find fulfillment in teaching and public seminars, while others may have preferences for specific tasks within the field.
What will help Marine Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: The daily routine of a biologist can vary on a day-to-day basis, involving being out in the field collecting data, working in a lab using special instruments, or at a computer organizing and analyzing data. Writing for publications and grant proposals is also essential.
What will help Marine Scientists increase their earning potential?
Jessica Petko: While it is possible to enter a teaching position right after your PhD, it is encouraged to get postdoctoral experience. As a postdoc, you will learn new techniques, gather data, and develop projects you can take with you into a tenure track position. The additional experience will be taken into consideration for compensation. Also, negotiate not only for your starting salary but also start-up funds.
Professor Marvin Pritts
Professor of HorticultureCornell University
International Agriculture
What general advice would you give to a Marine Scientist?
Professor Marvin Pritts: Everyone has to eat, and as the population grows and resources diminish, there is ever increasing demand for more and better-quality food. Even the animals we eat rely on plant-based food. There will never be a time when plant science becomes obsolete. New pests and climate change require that the genetics of our crops and the ways crops are managed change as well. Preservation of our remaining natural areas is critical for ecosystem functioning and quality of life. When COVID hit, attendance at parks skyrocketed and has not diminished. Participation at pick-your-own farms went way up as people rediscovered a connection with nature and their food. So it's a great time to pursue a profession in plant science.
What Marine Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Marvin Pritts: Some jobs are mostly lab-based while others are field-based. Still others involve education or data management so would occur mostly inside. I think the best type of job is one that involves all three components, and a career in plant science can allow for one to participate in all of these. Lab-based jobs typically involve some sort of research, genetic studies, propagation, or analyses of samples. Field-based jobs typically involve growing or propagating plants, data collection or scouting, pest management, plant breeding, or crop and natural area management. The number of careers that fall under the plant science category is very diverse so there is no typical day. Even within a particular career, what is done in a day varies greatly by season of the year.
What will help Marine Scientists increase their earning potential?
Professor Marvin Pritts: Some jobs are mostly lab-based while others are field-based. Still others involve education or data management so would occur mostly inside. The best type of job involves all three components, and a career in plant science allows for one to participate in all of these. Lab-based jobs typically involve research, genetic studies, propagation, or analyses of samples. Field-based jobs involve growing or propagating plants, data collection or scouting, pest management, plant breeding, or crop and natural area management. The number of careers under plant science is diverse so there is no typical day. Even within a particular career, daily tasks vary greatly by season of the year.
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorNorfolk State University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Marine Scientist?
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.: In order to maximize the salary potential in the field of Biology, stay focused to the fundamental basics and use your skillset to problem solve obstacles and overcome them with confidence. You are no longer in the classroom, so it's time to show off all that you know. In addition, leverage your skills learned in hands-on labs to maximize your salary potential.
What will help Marine Scientists increase their earning potential?
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.: As a graduate with a degree in Biology, I advise that you keep up with the technology in the biomedical field. In the age of gene editing, personalized medicine, and advanced implants, the biology degree is a valuable asset to have.
What general advice would you give to a Marine Scientist?
Dana Garrigan Ph.D.: Like all sciences, biology is a dynamic field with new research and technologies reshaping it daily. Remember that credentials are as much about demonstrating your ability to engage in the process of discovery and apply new knowledge as they are about what you know today. Keep learning and innovating!
What Marine Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Meg Bentley: The perfect job does not exist, especially as you are beginning your career. But lots of jobs exist where you can learn from mentors and peers, learn new skills, get exposed to new applications! Don't be a perfectionist early in your career and be thoughtful about what you hope to gain from a particular job experience - then, check in with yourself every few months about whether you are gaining what you want. Also - find and cultivate mentors wherever you end up. These mentors, whether they be peers or bosses or people more junior are your professional network and you should learn as much from them as possible! Also - be nice.
What will help Marine Scientists increase their earning potential?
Meg Bentley: Remember that you are "starting your career" - even the most brilliant and capable people have to start somewhere, so don't attach a starting salary to your self-worth and don't think that a high salary will make up for a miserable job experience. Ask upfront questions about how your employer sets your initial salary and then handles and manages promotions and raises. Remember, that benefits other than salary count toward your overall compensation package (health insurance, retirement, childcare), so include those as well and ask about benefits that are really important to you. Also, do your homework - don't ask for a $90K starting salary when the CEO makes $110K. Once you accept an offer, be willing to listen to feedback on your performance and address it as best you can. Finally - seek out employers/companies where you can have balance, be happy, and do something that you think is important while also identifying ways to grow professionally and increase your salary.
Craig Magie Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology Quinnipiac University Department of Biological SciencesQuinnipiac University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Marine Scientist?
Craig Magie Ph.D.: Decide what sort of biology you enjoy the most, and pursue a career based on that. For example, some students enjoy laboratory science and would be a good fit for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. Others enjoy being outside in nature and would be better served by a career in the forest service or something similar. The more you enjoy what you do, the more motivated you will be to do it well. Make sure you have marketable skills employers are looking for and play up your critical thinking skills and adaptability. You may not be familiar with the specific technologies used in a particular job, but if you can demonstrate that you are a quick and eager learner you will be a more attractive candidate.
What Marine Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Craig Magie Ph.D.: Decide what sort of biology you enjoy the most, and pursue a career based on that. For example, some students enjoy laboratory science and would be a good fit for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. Others enjoy being outside in nature and would be better served by a career in the forest service or something similar. The more you enjoy what you do, the more motivated you will be to do it well. Make sure you have marketable skills employers are looking for and play up your critical thinking skills and adaptability. You may not be familiar with the specific technologies used in a particular job, but if you can demonstrate that you are a quick and eager learner you will be a more attractive candidate.
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology and Forensic ScienceMaryville University
College of Arts and Sciences
What soft skills should all Marine Scientists possess?
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.: -Ability to work independently
-Ability to work collaboratively
-Ability to communicate effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders
-Ability to ask questions
What skills will help Marine Scientists earn the most?
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.: When examining job ads for an entry-level position, as I often see that pay is dependent upon experience. I encourage students to apply for internships to obtain skills outside of research and university laboratory courses. If an internship is not possible, then I encourage students to take as many courses with laboratories as they can to increase their skill level and marketability. Students should look for upper-level biology and chemistry laboratory courses that have tangible skills like biochemistry, quantitative analysis, molecular biology, microbiology, or instrumental analysis. Coding courses are also beneficial for students wanting to apply for jobs involving genomic analysis.
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of BiologyPaine College
Department Of Mathematics Sciences & Technology
What skills stand out on Marine Scientist resumes?
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.: Fundamentals of Biology, Principles, Mechanisms, Understanding of Biological Chemistry, and Evolution.
What soft skills should all Marine Scientists possess?
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.: Flexibility, Communication, Leadership, Team work, thorough understanding of underlying concepts for biological principles, etc., are required for Biology students.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Marine Scientists?
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.: I would say knowledge of Biological Techniques, about following the protocols for the ease of use, Experimental plan and design, Research Protocols, Analytical methods, etc.
What type of skills will young Marine Scientists need?
S. Laurie Sanderson Ph.D.: Young graduates will benefit from problem-solving skills, interpersonal and teamwork skills, quantitative skills, and strong writing abilities.
What experience really stands out on Marine Scientist resumes?
S. Laurie Sanderson Ph.D.: Employers are very interested in relevant hands-on experience, including internships, research, and volunteer positions.
Scott Cooper Ph.D.
Professor of Biology and Director of Undergraduate Research and CreativityUniversity of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Biology Department
How do you envision technology impacting Marine Scientists in the next 5 years?
Scott Cooper Ph.D.: Technology has a significant impact on this field in managing and sharing large data sets. This could be genomic and proteomic experiments, as well as medical records. Collaborations are also increasingly digital, so learning how to manage a team online is an important skill.
What type of skills will young Marine Scientists need?
Dennis Doverspike Ph.D.: Seemingly a paradox, there will continue to be a need for very general, but highly fungible, skills and demand for too specialized skills, requiring advanced education. Coding, statistics, and data analysis related skills will remain a hot growth area. The aging of the baby boomers will create demand for medical and healthcare-related regions, especially nursing, nursing aides, and emergency services. Despite the automation of many people facing jobs, there will continue to be a demand for interpersonal and people skills, including various types of sales. The switch to remote work, due to COVID, will create a substantial future market to fill the leadership and managerial skills gap. In many areas of Technology and engineering, it is already challenging to find a combination of technical knowledge and people skills, and this demand will intensify.
Sami Mejri Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Science, Assistant Dean, Graduate ProgramsTiffin University
School of Arts & Sciences
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Marine Scientists to find work opportunities?
Sami Mejri Ph.D.: With the rising cost of living, a college graduate's ideal first job may not be in their home state or favorite vacation town. According to Business Insider, MidWestern cities like Columbus-Ohio, Cincinnati-Ohio, Madison-Wisconsin, Milwaukee-Wisconsin, and Indianapolis-Indiana were some of the best geographical areas to live for college graduates. The cost of living in these Midwestern states remains relatively lower than coastal areas, making these locations ideal for college graduates entering the workforce. However, college graduates with degrees in healthcare, computer science, and data analytics may not be limited to these geographical areas, given employers' incentives to these in-demand jobs.