A marine biologist, or marine scientist, studies organisms that live in bodies of saltwater, performing a number of duties that vary by the specific job. They may research, experiment, or create plans of action to improve and sustain aquatic life, health, and productivity. Is marine biology the right career for you?
Marine Biologist Career Info
Marine biologists study and analyze ocean ecology and aquatic life. Generally, they need to hold at least a bachelor's degree in marine biology, marine sciences or a closely related field. Some employers may prefer to hire applicants with a master's degree, especially for independent research positions.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree; master's degree required for some jobs |
| Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)* | 8% for all wildlife biologists and zoologists |
| Median Annual Salary (2018)* | $63,420 for all wildlife biologists and zoologists |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Description for Marine Biologists
Marine biologists may be employed by government agencies, private companies or industry organizations, and the jobs they do may differ according to where they work. Some scientists may analyze marine water samples for contaminants. Others may use marine plants to create products for use. Still other scientists may work for zoos or aquariums, monitoring marine animals and conducting studies.
Marine Biologist Duties
Marine biologists may begin a new project by meeting with industry professionals and creating a plan of action. For example, marine biologists working in the petrochemical industry may coordinate with geologists and drillers in order to ascertain how long it may take to drill in deep water areas. Similarly, marine biologists working for government agencies may confer with private consulting companies on issues such as environmental habitats, pollutants and toxins.
Once a plan of action has been set, scientists may act as project managers, directing marine technicians and other staff members. Scientists leading an experiment may deploy technicians to ready laboratory equipment or prepare chemical compounds. As project managers, marine scientists may also create directives, such as aquatic conservation efforts, and implement action with the Environmental Protection Agency and other government agencies.
Marine biologists may also be employed by universities and other institutions to perform research. Topics may range from following the seasonal movement of animal species to analyzing fault lines on the ocean floor. Once research has been completed, these professionals generally write and publish papers on their findings.
Marine Biologist Qualifications
Marine biologists are required to have at least a bachelor's degree in marine biology, marine science or a closely-related field. After completing core requirements in biology, chemistry and physics, students delve into specialized topics such as aquatic animal biology, oceanography and toxicology. Additionally, bachelor's degree programs in marine biology often include courses in biostatistics that uses concepts from statistics to measure, estimate and analyze biological data.
Advanced Degrees
Some employers may prefer marine biologists who have completed a master's or doctorate program in marine biology. These programs allow students to conduct research and gain specialized expertise in topics ranging from marine ecology to marine mammal physiology. Individual research projects, a thesis or dissertation on a topic in marine biology may be required by some programs.
Marine Biologist Job Outlook
As of May 2018, zoologists and wildlife biologists, including marine biologists, earned an annual median salary of $63,420, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). An employment increase of 8%, about as fast as average for all jobs, was predicted by the BLS for these scientists from 2016-2026.
