WADC Conference

Many youngsters dream of being a marine biologist, swimming and playing with the dolphins, training seals, and studying marine animal behavior in captivity and in the wild. While these are indeed some of the things that particular marine biologists do, in reality anyone commanding a marine biologist salary has a great deal of different jobs that they may enter into.

Some colleges near the coast offer degree programs specializing in marine biology, but this is not necessarily the degree required to obtain a marine biologist salary. In fact, a number of students graduate with degrees in zoology, fisheries, biology, or animal science and find themselves in this career path. Naturally, it is important to take as many courses as possible that focus on aquatic sciences, as well as any relevant to a specific area of study.

For example, physical oceanographers will require coursework in physics, math, and computer modeling, while biological oceanographers will need to study biology, chemistry and physics to completely understand the dynamics between the physical makeup of the sea and the biology of underwater life. Most entry-level positions in this field require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but in order to conduct independent field or laboratory research, a doctoral degree is required.

An emerging sub-field is marine biotechnology, which has a variety of different applications. A biomedical marine biologist may study marine microorganisms and develop and test new medications derived from them. Other researchers may work to develop more effective repellants to prevent barnacles and mussels from collecting on ships, which can have benefits in both industry and the nation’s defense.

Molecular biology, while also a field within biology, is also utilized by marine biologists. This area of study has a number of different applications across marine biology. By identifying any parasites, diseases, or unusual microorganisms, the health and safety of aquatic areas may be monitored. In addition, this same method of identification may safe the life of sea animals living in captivity, allowing for appropriate treatment of any discovered problems. With the rise in pollution in recent decades, all aquatic areas have been increasingly at risk, making the close, accurate monitoring of the tiniest of organisms and quick identification of contaminants crucial to helping to maintain fragile ecosystems.

A marine biologist salary for someone with less than one year of experience is around $33,000. Salaries increase with experience and education, and are directly related to the employer. Marine biologists working in industry command the highest income, many earning more than $80,000 per year. Those working for the government, universities or colleges, and nonprofit organizations usually average between $60,000 and $70,000 annually. However, individuals working in these lower-paying areas generally report increased job satisfaction despite that lower salary.