As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fish Biologist in the United States is $83,347 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Fish Biologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Fish Biologist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $91,947 | $7,662 | $1,768 | $44 |
| Average | $83,347 | $6,946 | $1,603 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,801 | $6,233 | $1,438 | $36 |
A Fish Biologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Fish Biologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Biologist... Level Fish Biologist | $59,017 |
| Biologist... Level Fish Biologist | $68,204 |
| Fish Biol... Level Fish Biologist | $85,128 |
| Biologist... Level Fish Biologist | $123,352 |
| Biologist... Level Fish Biologist | $139,796 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 11.94% |
| Microbiology | 2.56% |
| Data Analysis | 1.94% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Fish Biologist's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Biology | $100,017 | |
| Immunology | $95,850 | |
| Innovation | $95,016 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Fish Biologists enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Fish Biologist with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $80,488 and $87,513).
| Typical Education for Fish Biologist | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 18.4% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 18.4% |
| Masters | 44.3% |
| Doctorate | 36.3% |
Understanding how a Fish Biologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $91,947 | $7,662 | $1,768 | $44 |
| Average | $83,347 | $6,946 | $1,603 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,801 | $6,233 | $1,438 | $36 |
Salaries for a Fish Biologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $84,948 in 2023 to around $82,787 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Fish Biologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $84,948 |
| 2024 | $84,167 |
| 2025 | $82,787 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Fish Biologist roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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