We used the latest data and insights to identify the Highest Paying Marine Biology Jobs, so you can learn and earn more.
We included data from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, Payscale, and other top sites to create this list.
These few examples will show you how diverse and rewarding this field can be for those who choose to pursue it as a career.
Here are the highest-paying jobs for marine biology majors.
Here is a video summary based on this article
Table of Contents
#10. Marine Mammal Trainers
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Comparably
- Low Range: $18,160 per year
- High Range: $57,170 per year
- Median Pay: $30,328 per year
What do they do?
Marine mammal trainers have one of the most exciting jobs out there. They give visitors to marine parks and aquariums a close-up look at dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most employers require marine mammal trainers to have a bachelor’s degree in animal science, psychology, or biology. It’s also essential that you have strong communication skills since you’ll be working directly with customers and visitors.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Marine mammal trainers work primarily in the marine environment in aquariums and marine parks.
Some marine biologists also work at research facilities to study marine animals.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You may begin your career by interning or volunteering at an aquarium or marine park during college. The internship opportunity will help you develop a network of professionals in the same field.
With the right education and experience, you can apply for jobs and work your way to get to the top.
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How do you become a marine mammal trainer?
#9. Fisheries Manager
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Comparably
- Low Range: $26,190 per year
- High Range: $97,390 per year
- Median Pay: $47,950 per year
What do they do?
Fisheries managers coordinate the work of fishermen and fisherwomen to ensure that they can meet the demand for seafood while still maintaining the health of their stock.
These managers help in creating new markets for fish. They also find ways to make sure that enough fish are available to meet the market demand.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You need at least a degree in fisheries management or a related field to become a fisheries manager.
Management and leadership skills are essential qualities of a good manager.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Fisheries managers work in government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations to help manage fisheries and protect the habitats of endangered species. They also work with other environmental organizations to ensure that their policies align with what science says is best for the environment.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can start by gaining experience through internships or volunteer work in your local community. You may also consider taking courses that focus specifically on fisheries management at your local community college or university.
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What’s it like to be a fishery manager?
#8. Marine Conservation Officer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $30,030 per year
- High Range: $70,613 per year
- Median Pay: $47,998 per year
What do they do?
Marine conservation officers are usually in charge of enforcing laws that protect marine life and ensure that commercial activities aren’t damaging our oceans. They also educate the public about how their actions affect the marine ecosystem.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You may need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Employers also prefer applicants with expertise in specialized areas like fish management or marine law enforcement.
Marine conservation officers often inform members of the public about rules and regulations regarding marine life. Therefore, strong communication skills are important for this position as well.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These conservation officers may find work in government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
What’s the best way to get this job?
If you’d like to become a marine conservation officer, it’s important to get experience related to your field through volunteer work or internships. You may then conduct research and apply to available jobs.
What’s it like to be a marine conservation officer?
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#7. Marine biologist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $32,000 per year
- High Range: $98,000 per year
- Median Pay: $52,131 per year
What do they do?
Marine biologists are scientists who study marine life, including its ecosystems and organisms. They research how these marine organisms live, what they eat, and how they reproduce.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These biologists hold a bachelor’s degree in marine science or a related field, biology or environmental science. Some marine biologists have masters or doctorate degrees.
You may have to enroll in additional training after graduation to qualify for a section of marine biology jobs.
As a marine biologist, you must have strong communication skills and work effectively with others on projects. You must also possess good problem-solving skills since many tasks involve observing and recording data from the ocean environment.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Marine biologists may find work at aquariums or zoos. Other employers include:
- Government agencies.
- Independent consultants.
- Research institutions.
What’s the best way to get this job?
One of the fastest ways to get to this position is by earning an undergraduate degree in marine biology. Then complete an advanced degree from an accredited university program. Afterwhich, you may start job hunting.
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How do you become a marine biologist?
#6. Aquatic Veterinarian
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $17,500 per year
- High Range: $122,000 per year
- Median Pay: $70,533 per year
What do they do?
An aquatic veterinarian is a doctor who works with animals that live in water, including fish and other aquatic creatures. These veterinarians care for animals in aquariums and zoos and those kept as pets. Aquatic veterinarians may also work with wildlife, such as birds or mammals.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Many aquatic veterinarians hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. But anyone with a degree in another field may pursue this career by taking additional courses or training programs.
Some aquatic veterinarians opt for seminars and conferences to improve their knowledge. Besides education, you need excellent communication and problem-solving skills to work in this field.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Aquatic veterinarians work in many settings, from private practices to public hospitals and universities. They also can be self-employed and run their clinics.
What’s the best way to get this job?
To become an aquatic veterinarian, you will need formal training in aquatic veterinary medicine. You can also get certified through the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM).
What’s it like to be an aquatic veterinarian?
#5. Marine Archaeologist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $49,000 per year
- High Range: $107,000 per year
- Median Pay: $70,630 per year
What do they do?
Marine archaeologists work in the field of underwater archaeology. This is an exciting field that involves exploring shipwrecks and other sunken vessels. These professionals study the history of shipwrecks using information they get on the ocean floor.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Many professionals in this field have a degree in marine biology, anthropology, or archaeology. But employers may require a graduate degree for jobs requiring advanced skill sets like surveying and underwater excavation techniques.
You should be comfortable working both above and below water levels. You must also possess strong communication skills.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Marine archaeologists are employed by museums, universities, governments, corporations, and private companies.
What’s the best way to get this job?
Once you’ve got the undergrad degree under your belt, you should look into getting some additional training in underwater exploration. This will prepare you for your future responsibilities.
How do you become a marine archeologist?
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#4. Ocean Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $47,571 per year
- High Range: $102,077 per year
- Median Pay: $72,009 per year
What do they do?
Ocean engineers are responsible for managing and maintaining the systems that keep our oceans clean and safe. As an ocean engineer, your job will be to design and build equipment that improves the quality of life in coastal communities.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Ocean engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science. You may also need additional training in oceanography or marine biology.
You must be able to work with teams of people from all over the world who speak different languages. Ocean engineers should also be good problem-solvers who enjoy challenges.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Ocean engineers can work in many different places, including:
- Shipyards.
- Shipbuilders.
- Port authorities.
- Tidal power plants.
- Research labs at universities or government agencies.
- Private consultancies that specialize in marine engineering services.
- Oil companies or other industries need to use ships or other forms of water transport.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You should start your journey into this career path by looking for positions with companies involved in ocean engineering. Then seek job openings either online through job boards like Indeed.com.
What’s it like to be an ocean engineer?
#3. Oceanographer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $64,253 per year
- High Range: $95,939 per year
- Median Pay: $72,567 per year
What do they do?
Oceanographers study everything from the chemistry of the oceans to how they affect climate change. These professionals study the oceans and their effects on the world.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Employers for oceanographers need at least a bachelor’s degree in oceanography or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates with master’s degrees for advanced positions.
Like any other marine biologist, you should have experience working in laboratories or other research settings to get an oceanography job. So it’s also helpful if you can show off some lab experience on your resume.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These marine biologists work for:
- Universities and research centers.
- Environmental organizations like Greenpeace and The Nature Conservancy.
- Oil companies or other businesses want to understand better how their activities affect the oceans.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can become an oceanographer by getting a degree in geology or marine biology. You’ll need to take classes in math and statistics, too—and possibly other science classes like chemistry or physics.
What’s it like to be an oceanographer?
#2. Marine Researcher
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $53,000 per year
- High Range: $123,000 per year
- Median Pay: $83,335 per year
What do they do?
Marine researchers study ocean life and the effects of human behavior on the environment. They conduct experiments and make observations on marine life and habitats. Then write papers to share their findings.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a marine researcher, you must have an advanced degree in a scientific field such as biology or chemistry. This work requires lots of knowledge about the natural sciences and technology. You should have patience, determination, and passion because you’ll spend much of your time studying alone.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Marine researchers work for:
- Government research institutions.
- Universities.
- Large corporations need to understand the risks of their operations in terms of affecting sea life.
What’s the best way to get this job?
With your marine biology degree, you have more than one way to get started in this field.
You can start by working with an individual professor whose work interests you. Or enroll in an internship program while in grad school.
What’s it like to be a marine researcher?
#1. Marine Resource Economist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Comparably
- Low Range: $52,540 per year
- High Range: $176,960 per year
- Median Pay: $99,180 per year
What do they do?
This is one of the top career paths for marine biology degree holders willing to add economics to their portfolio.
Marine resource economists are economists who study the ocean and its resources. These professionals study the value of marine resources and use their findings to inform policy decisions about how we should use them.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You can become a marine resources economist by getting a degree in economics or related fields. But employers will prefer candidates with master’s degrees.
Besides academic work experience, many employers require applicants with skills in writing statistical reports and performing data analysis using software packages.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
A marine resource economist can work in several industries, including national governments, international organizations, and private companies.
What’s the best way to get this job?
One of the ways of getting into this field involves enrolling for an economics degree. With your degree, you may begin your career in entry-level positions. Or you go for a master’s degree before you start job hunting.
Should you become a marine resources economist?
Conclusion
Even with the already high cost of going to college these days, marine biology majors still have some outstanding careers to choose from. You can be a marine environment economist or a scientific researcher specializing in marine ecology.
We hope you enjoyed reading this top 10 list as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.
