Marine Biologist
Also known as: Ocean Scientist, Marine Scientist
Study ocean life and ecosystems, from coral reefs to deep sea creatures, to protect marine environments.
Salary Range
The highest-paid specialization or seniority level for marine biologists.
About 1 in 67 reaches this level
About 18K marine biologists; Lab Director at $180K mostly at top research universities and NOAA, roughly 200-300 roles.
Salary data based on 2025 BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
How to Become One
This career typically requires a master's degree. Here are the top colleges for it:
AI Risk Assessment
Employment is projected to grow ~4% from 2023-2033. However, AI is increasingly central to marine research -- remote sensing, AI-powered fish stock monitoring, and ML predictions are becoming standard. The highest-paying roles are now "Data Scientist specializing in marine applications," suggesting the field tilts toward computational skills.
Ratings reflect a 10-year outlook based on 2025-2026 research, weighted toward entry-level impact. Individual outcomes will vary.
Related Careers
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