Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

Overview

JobsSkillsEducationDemographicsJob Outlook

What is a research fisheries biologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Craig Magie Ph.D.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a research fisheries biologist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $33.02 an hour? That's $68,678 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 100 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a research fisheries biologist?

Craig Magie Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology Quinnipiac University Department of Biological Sciences, Quinnipiac University

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.
ScoreResearch Fisheries BiologistUS Average
Salary
5.4

Avg. Salary $68,678

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.2

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.58%

Asian 11.13%

Black or African American 2.31%

Hispanic or Latino 6.35%

Unknown 4.95%

White 74.69%

Gender

female 36.36%

male 63.64%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
5.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a research fisheries biologist

  1. Explore research fisheries biologist education requirements

    Most common research fisheries biologist degrees

    Bachelor's

    56.7 %

    Master's

    26.7 %

    Doctorate

    10.0 %

  2. Start to develop specific research fisheries biologist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Research Projects39.04%
    Data Analysis33.75%
    NOAA27.21%

  3. Research research fisheries biologist duties and responsibilities

    • Work closely with other project leads to make sure sampling protocols for Chinook, chum and steelhead are followed.
    • Collect population and DNA data on sockeye salmon.
    • Coordinate inter-agency and external fisheries, oceanographic, and ecological research collaborations.
    • Project require review of existing environmental data, identification of permitting requirements, wetland identification/delineation and sensitive and endanger species issues.

  4. Apply for research fisheries biologist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a research fisheries biologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first research fisheries biologist job

Zippi

Are you a research fisheries biologist?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average research fisheries biologist salary

The average research fisheries biologist salary in the United States is $68,678 per year or $33 per hour. Research fisheries biologist salaries range between $47,000 and $98,000 per year.

Average research fisheries biologist salary
$68,678 Yearly
$33.02 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do research fisheries biologists rate their job?

Working as a research fisheries biologist? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs