As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for marine biologist entry level in the US is $50,787, equivalent to $24 per hour, $977 weekly, or $4,232 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for marine biologist entry level in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for marine biologist entry level in the US vary widely, spanning from $40,023 to $59,535. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($45,152) and 75th percentile ($55,366), while top earners (90th percentile) make $59,535 per year. This $10,214 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Microbiology, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia marine biologist entry level often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 44 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
