Marine Biologist: Job Description, Salary, Duties & More (2024)

The Ultimate Resource For Marine Biologist Career Path

Marine biology is an exciting branch of science that interests many people.

Currently, there are about 1200 marine biologists in the US.

This number is likely to grow over the years due to the various benefits of this career path.

Marine biology is primarily for people who want to explore marine life.

Are you struggling to decide about becoming a marine biologist?

Here is a complete resource guide that will assist you in deciding.

Marine Biologist Job Information

Official Job Title	Marine Biologist
Average Salary	$57,198
Stress Level	High
Work/Life	Low
Job Satisfaction	High
Career Advancement	Average

Marine Biologist Job Description

Here are the job details of marine biologists to help you understand their purpose:

What Is A Marine Biologist?

Marine biologists primarily focus on marine life.

They research aquatic species and diseases surrounding them.

Without them, we cannot maintain and conserve marine life.

Besides that, marine biologists can work in various fields.

For example, they may play a role in conservation.

Additionally, they spread awareness by teaching about aquatic life.

What Does A Marine Biologist Do On A Daily Basis?

The daily tasks of marine biologists vary significantly.

However, their daily routine may include three things.

First, they may work in the field and explore species by diving into the ocean.

Besides that, they may spend their day testing the samples they found underwater.

Sampling is a part of their daily life as it allows them to collect data for their research.

The third thing they do frequently is write papers and theses.

Hence, a typical day of a marine biologist can revolve around one or all of these three things.

Additionally, some individuals opt for teaching as well.

Their daily routine involves taking classes and checking the papers of students.

Responsibilities, Duties & Role Of A Marine Biologist

Marine biologists are responsible for various things.

First, they have to review their discoveries regularly.

Moreover, they must study the behavior of a variety of aquatic organisms.

A marine biologist must collect samples and analyze them in the lab.

However, their job does not stop at that.

After obtaining the results, they must apply their data and form a thesis.

Marine Biologist Salary

Following are the salaries of marine biologists as per their career level:

Average Salary

The average yearly salary of marine biologists in the US is $57,198.

This means that they earn about $30 per hour.

This is, of course, if they work the typical eight-hour shift.

Apart from that, the salary also depends on the country’s region.

Areas in which marine biologists are in high demand offer greater wages.

Additionally, the significant pay incentivizes attracting more individuals into this field.

Starting Salary

A marine biologist earns a yearly starting salary of $47,719.

Senior Salary

The yearly salary for senior positions in this career path is $72,925.

How To Become A Marine Biologist

If ocean life interests you, then marine biologist is a viable career.

Here is everything you need to know about becoming one:

The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree

The education journey for marine biology can be long, depending on your path.

To gain an entry-level position, a bachelor’s degree is necessary.

However, for career advancement, there are other essential things.

If you wish to climb to high positions, you must achieve a master’s degree.

After that, you will also have to get a doctorate in marine biology.

Once you finish the doctoral program, your opportunities will be greater.

Certifications are not necessary nor preferable for this field.

In addition, formal training is also not essential for the job.

Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications

There are quite a few skills that marine biologists need.

First, you must have sharp critical thinking skills.

Moreover, you should have an eye for detail and a curious mind.

Fieldwork can be strenuous and demanding sometimes.

Hence your stamina must be high.

Additionally, you should have excellent emotional stability too.

Lastly, it isn’t easy to qualify for a job without experience.

Therefore, you must work in similar positions before your education ends.

Typically, a few years of experience is essential.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Marine Biologist?

It can take from four years to up to 12 years to become a marine biologist.

Is It Hard To Become A Marine Biologist?

Marine biology education is competitive and stressful at times.

However, if you can survive the pressure, it will not be a difficult journey.

Marine Biologist Career Paths

Are you having second thoughts about becoming a marine biologist?

If so, here is what you need to know to make a decision:

The Marine Biologist Roadmap

It can be a long journey if you want to become a marine biologist.

Firstly you must spend four years getting a bachelor’s degree.

Then two years to complete a master’s degree.

After that, it takes about three to six years to get a doctorate.

While you complete your education, it is preferable to work internships.

You can also serve as an assistant to a marine biology teacher.

By working jobs and volunteering, you can gain experience.

Hence, once you complete your education, you can immediately look for a marine biologist job.

Projections For Growth In Marine Biologist Jobs

The growth projection for marine biologist jobs is about 1% over the next decade, meaning little or no change.

In Summary: Is Marine Biologist A Good Career?

Marine biology is a highly competitive field.

But it offers a promising career as well.

The employment figure may be low, but the job pays high.

So if you want to earn more, it is a viable career option.

Working Conditions

Here are the typical working conditions of marine biologists:

Can A Marine Biologist Work Remotely From Home?

A marine biologist cannot work remotely from home.

This is because their primary tasks involve going into the ocean.

Additionally, they have to conduct lab tests and sample specimens.

Remote work is only possible if they are working as a teacher.

However, this also depends on employer policies.

How Many Hours Does A Marine Biologist Work?

The typical hours marine biologists work per week is 40 to 50 hours.

Sometimes they have to spend the whole day at the lab for research.

Can A Marine Biologist Work Part-Time?

Marine biologists can work part-time, but this is rarely the case.

Employers don’t prefer to offer this option.

This is, of course, because lab and fieldwork can take hours.

What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Marine Biologist?

The average vacation days of marine biologists range from two to three weeks each year.

But, of course, this can vary depending on the employer and their policies.

Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Marine Biologist

Marine Biologist Resume Tips

Worry no more if you don’t know how to write a job-centric resume.

Here are some tips that will assist you:

Use reverse-chronological order for easy readability
Add impactful words to make the writing more effective
Make sure to use marine biology keywords to filter the content
List the work experience and add details under each point
Use a simple layout and avoid tables
Make sure to add the relevant soft and hard skills

By following these tips, you can write a stellar resume.

Thus, impressing the employer will be an easy task.

Marine Biologist Interview Questions

As an employer, here are the top questions you can ask during the interview:

Q1: Explain some strategies you plan to use to preserve marine species.

Why it works: You can understand if the applicant can think critically.

Additionally, you’ll learn if they can identify marine environment issues.

Q2: How would you behave if a team member disagrees with your research approach?

Why it works: This will allow you to see if the candidate can resolve team conflicts.

Q3: What methods do you use for analyzing the sample?

Why it works: It will assist you in determining if the candidate carries out research properly.

Their methods must display effectiveness.

Jobs Related To a Marine Biologist

Here are some jobs that are like marine biologist careers:

Marine policy expert
Research assistant
Marine biotechnologist
And much more

For HR Managers: Tips For Hiring A Marine Biologist

As an HR Manager, you must hire a competent applicant.

Here are some tips that will help you achieve this:

Key Characteristics To Look For In A Marine Biologist

Here are some things that must be present in the candidate you want to hire:

Ability to think critically
Capable of working with other individuals
Understanding of biological tools and computer software
Sharp observation skills
Capable of writing research papers

Minimum Level Of Education & Experience

The least education necessary to become a marine biologist is a bachelor’s degree.

For senior positions, a master’s degree and doctorate are essential.

Additionally, three or more years of field experience is vital as well.