As we venture into the world of the marine biologist, we'll explore what personal characteristics you should have, what academic requirements are, what salary you can expect, and other aspects such as job satisfaction and upward mobility. You will also discover strange things. You might want to be prepared for a few surprises as you read.
The media have featured a number of articles in recent months on the continued contamination of the oceans from human neglect. An ocean of garbage literally the size of the state of Texas was discovered floating in the Pacific Ocean, and an environmentalist's attempts were unsuccessful. Some of the litter was found inside mammals and fish, while other litter was sent to Pacific beaches where birds were also victims of this litter. If you are someone who wants to help understand the effects of human mismanagement of waste on ocean life and get involved with potential solutions, a marine biologist may be the right career path for you.
Desired personal characteristics
Obviously you will want love to be in and around the ocean since this is where you will be spending some time. Becoming a marine biologist is also a STEM-type activity. Therefore, your interest and innate ability to excel in science will help you feel more comfortable as you continue your education. There may be a few positions where you don't need to be able to swim well, but generally speaking swimming is a skill you should be good at.
Here is the profession's first quirk. You would expect states such as California, Florida, Oregon, Washington State, and Alaska to employ a large number of marine biologists because they are located at the edge of the oceans. But there are other states that employ marine biologists that don't have an ocean nearby - Minnesota, Colorado, and Idaho have sizable numbers of ocean lovers as well. We'll cover the specifics of the best job opportunities, but for now it's important that you are flexible about your thinking and future in the field.
Depending on where you work and the specific demands of your job, you may find yourself on a boat for several hours, even days or even weeks. If you easily get sea sick, or prefer a job that doesn't require long periods away from home, you'll need to do some homework and find out exactly how to prepare for a job after graduation. The academic requirements will take you several years if you want to earn a living wage. It is therefore essential to know where you want to work and what your realistic options are before you dive in.
Academic requirements
Unlike many STEM programs, a marine biologist will likely need a master's degree to find a company capable of hiring them. You can get a bachelor's degree with a number of positions, but they will pay less and you will likely end up continuing your higher education. This is more of a personal choice, as some people want to gain hands-on experience and avoid classes as much as possible. Others may choose to work with a less than a master's degree simply because of the stack of student loans that can potentially accumulate over 5 or 6 years. Still others may need a four-year break from college.
There's another reason employers prefer to hire a marine biologist with a master's degree: to bring proven research experience to the table. Many marine biologists find themselves in research positions or in a combination of study and field research. While the undergraduate study program will focus on acquiring the necessary scientific knowledge, the graduate programs will primarily focus on carrying out significant research based on the knowledge gained. Major employers are unlikely to be willing to train a new employee in the protocols and practice of developing a quality, peer-reviewed research paper.
When it comes to specific classes, you can expect to see some or all of these specific subjects covered in your undergraduate education:
Biology
Zoology
Ecology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics / Statistics
Public policy
Communication
The Marine Biologist program is STEM-focused, but it is also important to understand that there are critical non-scientific requirements it can be the difference between keeping a position or losing it. Having in-depth knowledge of public policies is essential for dealing with issues such as the aforementioned ocean pollution from humans. Being able to communicate effectively is also essential, not only with colleagues but also with the general public.
Some universities that offer degrees in marine biology include Duke, Boston College, University of Tampa, University of North Carolina, and University of Hawaii. All of these schools are conveniently located near an ocean. Another odd twist is that there aren't many marine biologist positions in the state of Hawaii, so expect to move somewhere else after you graduate. But you don't need to have a specific undergraduate degree program to get a marine biologist position. Graduates with degrees in biology, zoology and ecology can also pursue their careers. In addition, environmental sciences come to mind. You can choose one of these alternative paths in the profession if you want additional flexibility to give yourself employment opportunities. Some people may want to pursue a doctorate in marine biology and devote themselves to academic research and teaching. For the purposes of this article, we will only briefly discuss topics related to work and wages, as this is more like a teaching profession than a marine biologist.
To do work
marine biologist
No matter what type of degree you have obtained, the specific requirements for a marine biologist position can vary widely. on a number of factors. We mentioned earlier that the state of Idaho has a relatively high number of positions. So you can expect the job requirements to be different than for a marine biologist in Florida. Field studies and research are two of the most common tasks, but there are others that you can expect to accomplish. In the following list, you probably see at least one surprise. Some useful observations were also made on responsibilities.
Use and maintenance of scientific instruments used to track organisms and measure the properties of the ocean environment
Apply computer modeling to create predictive data
Yes, there can be a technological aspect to what is largely a non-technical profession. If you find a job that comes with these kinds of responsibilities, you'll likely find that it's a nice change of pace from more routine tasks.
Analyze the diversity and health of the marine environment
Provide consultations and get involved in the reconstruction of damaged marine ecosystems
These are two specific areas where you can truly believe you are making a difference in the future of the marine environment. The last of those two responsibilities is to make you come home at the end of the day, and feel especially good about yourself and your chosen profession.
Consult stakeholders on pollution monitoring programs
Be a monitor and advocate for corporate environmental compliance
This last group of two shows how courses such as Public Policy and Communication can be very useful for communicating with the public, businesses or even politicians. Many groups have an interest in the management of the ocean's vast resources, some of which may come into conflict with the health of the marine environment.
All of the above additional requirements are primarily performed by non-management professionals. There is also the managerial aspect of a marine biologist, although this is not the right cup of tea for everyone. It takes more paperwork and politics, but for someone who has spent several years in the field, it can be a career change while remaining active in the field. Some of the management tasks include:
Build grant proposals for funding research and fieldwork
Determine the scope of work for projects and calculate project budgets and schedules
This will likely involve some types of project management software, so you'll want to plan to learn how to use them some day or another. But the gist of both of these management tasks is that most marine biology projects will need to apply for and acquire some type of grant to keep their projects alive. This includes paying everyone.
Present research findings and analyzes to decision makers and stakeholders
Determine jurisdictions for various laws and regulations
Notice on this first task that management will do the actual presentation (and will likely need to answer questions), while the non-management marine biologist will be responsible for preparing the presentation. This is one of those situations where it depends on the end of the discussion you want to participate in. The second duty seems to be based on the legal aspect of marine biology, and you will likely be working with not only legal staff, but public policy makers as well.
Engage the public and raise awareness of issues affecting marine ecosystems
Create and encourage a positive team environment using clear communication and mentoring opportunities
These two management responsibilities have one thing in common: to effectively engage people so that they take an active role in the overall objective of the project. Project teams need motivation not to lose sight of their purpose, while the public often does not understand the significance of the work of the marine biologist. (This realization often comes too late.)
Some of these unique job responsibilities can add a whole new dimension to your career and allow you to: add dollars to your annual salary. The next section will deal with the issue of salaries, but by this point you should have already placed the issue of salaries in second place, behind the type and purpose of your job as a marine biologist. That's not to say that it isn't important to earn a fair wage, but that pursuing a career as a marine biologist is more about the goal than the pay.
If you thought the last sentence was an omen of what to expect when it comes to pay, you're right. According to research, only one state, Maryland, has a six-figure median salary, which sits in the top 75% of marine biologists. In less statistical terms, few marine biologists earn $ 100 or more per year. This should make it clear that you are not choosing this career path with the hope of retiring early.
But there is good news at the other end of the numbers. The remaining 25% of marine biologists earn about $ 50 per year, with a few exceptions where the median salary drops to about $ 000 per year. This latest issue isn't great news, no matter where you live. Take into account that you spent at least 36 years in college, otherwise 000. You have a graduate degree which, using the simple average method, is between $ 4 and $ 6 for each year spent in school. The student loans you have accrued during this time could actually put you in negative territory. It could take years to break even and try to justify the expense of studying.
There isn't a single reason why wages can be so low; a number of factors are involved. The state of Oklahoma pays marine biologists $ 33 per year, but also has only 630 vacancies statewide. A reasonable person can expect that most of these positions will already be filled, which poses an obvious location problem. In contrast, Rhode Island pays over $ 90 a year but has only 60 vacancies.
The issue of available grants is an important factor in determining salary. If a person from Oklahoma applies to an organization for a grant to conduct research in marine biology, it is likely that it will not be well received. It is not the question of whether the grant application has the best of intentions, but it is in part that many grant-making organizations simply do not understand the nature of what a marine biologist does or its nature. value. Again, unlike the state of Rhode Island, a funder is more likely to award research, not because they understand marine biology better than in Oklahoma, but because the state is close to an ocean and its common sense makes more sense. At the same time, Rhode Island limits the number of marine biologists to 40, while Oklahoma has double that number but pays them half as much.
The general consensus is that if you want to make a good living as a marine biologist, you are going to look at the opportunities offered by the federal government and state governments. This is where you will likely get that median annual salary of $ 50, and your work situation will be relatively stable. Whether at the state or federal level, there is usually not much talk about stopping funding for marine biology projects because politicians have bigger and more popular goals for budget cuts. As a marine biologist, you won't come across a lot of publicity from the government, but sometimes it is good to stand back.
The projected growth rate for the next five years is between 3% and 8%, depending on which study you want to participate in. With job growth forecasts as low as possible, those venturing into the sea will find considerable competition for almost any job. According to the popular opinion of working professionals, obtaining a minimum of master's degrees is the only way to be seriously considered.
Years of experience are a determining factor in determining not only salary, but also securing the most desirable positions. There is not much to wonder if you are only making $ 35 a year and have no hope of upward mobility in your current position. In fact, there is little upward mobility in the field, so the aforementioned dichotomy between field researcher and management is all that is available to most career marine biologists. This is one of the reasons that many people entering the field resort to another college, such as Environmental Science, to test the waters.
Another possibility to consider that can dramatically increase your earning potential is to have a specialization in a related field and move your marine biology specialization to second place. A website, Sapling.com, says you can win at least $ 12 per month (not one year) by combining your career as a marine biologist with a major in biochemistry. There are obvious combinations of majors to consider, but for the purposes of this article relegating the marine biologist to second place seems to defeat the intended purpose. But in the interests of making over $ 000 a year, it's worth including.
Opportunities for fame, not so much for fortune
We want to end the article on a positive note and conclude with some of these outlook and fun facts.
Charles Darwin was a marine biologist - You are unlikely to be the next Darwin (for better or for worse), but there is always the possibility that you will do something to drastically change the future of marine biology. He wrote a book and everything, so make sure your writing skills are above average. The more dramatic the better.
You could expand your career tentacles in medical science - Ocean life and the ocean in general are looking for solutions to many human diseases. Sea juices are used in the treatment of certain types of cancer (the medical field of oncology). If you see a lot of types of doctors hanging around the facility, make sure you try to find out what's going on.
You can head to the Discovery Channel to debunk a myth- This is largely a matter of ego since you will not be paid much. But aquatic species such as sharks, whales and dolphins are often a topic of interest to the general public. You'll be able to spread this presumed unnecessary information you've known for years in a 15-minute fame video. By the way, did you know that a pod of dolphins is called a pod?
An objective assessment
marine biologist
To end on a serious note, choosing a career as a marine biologist is something you really must love before doing your homework at the best universities to attend. In practice, you envision a minimum of 6 years of college education. If you can graduate without taking out a student loan, you will have more choice in where to work than graduates who start looking for a job with thousands of dollars in debt. If you live near an ocean, you might be able to have a real-world experience that you can plug into your degree and use as a resume builder.
If you choose to work for the government, where most marine biologists work, you need to know and prepare for what it means for your career. You will earn a living wage, but at the state level, you may find yourself looking for another job if politicians are unable to control their spending habits. At this point, you will learn that most people really care about your job.
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How to become a marine biologist and the salary to expect
As we venture into the world of the marine biologist, we'll explore what personal characteristics you should have, what academic requirements are, what salary you can expect, and other aspects such as job satisfaction and upward mobility. You will also discover strange things. You might want to be prepared for a few surprises as you read.
The media have featured a number of articles in recent months on the continued contamination of the oceans from human neglect. An ocean of garbage literally the size of the state of Texas was discovered floating in the Pacific Ocean, and an environmentalist's attempts were unsuccessful. Some of the litter was found inside mammals and fish, while other litter was sent to Pacific beaches where birds were also victims of this litter. If you are someone who wants to help understand the effects of human mismanagement of waste on ocean life and get involved with potential solutions, a marine biologist may be the right career path for you.
Desired personal characteristics
Obviously you will want love to be in and around the ocean since this is where you will be spending some time. Becoming a marine biologist is also a STEM-type activity. Therefore, your interest and innate ability to excel in science will help you feel more comfortable as you continue your education. There may be a few positions where you don't need to be able to swim well, but generally speaking swimming is a skill you should be good at.
Here is the profession's first quirk. You would expect states such as California, Florida, Oregon, Washington State, and Alaska to employ a large number of marine biologists because they are located at the edge of the oceans. But there are other states that employ marine biologists that don't have an ocean nearby - Minnesota, Colorado, and Idaho have sizable numbers of ocean lovers as well. We'll cover the specifics of the best job opportunities, but for now it's important that you are flexible about your thinking and future in the field.
Depending on where you work and the specific demands of your job, you may find yourself on a boat for several hours, even days or even weeks. If you easily get sea sick, or prefer a job that doesn't require long periods away from home, you'll need to do some homework and find out exactly how to prepare for a job after graduation. The academic requirements will take you several years if you want to earn a living wage. It is therefore essential to know where you want to work and what your realistic options are before you dive in.
Academic requirements
Unlike many STEM programs, a marine biologist will likely need a master's degree to find a company capable of hiring them. You can get a bachelor's degree with a number of positions, but they will pay less and you will likely end up continuing your higher education. This is more of a personal choice, as some people want to gain hands-on experience and avoid classes as much as possible. Others may choose to work with a less than a master's degree simply because of the stack of student loans that can potentially accumulate over 5 or 6 years. Still others may need a four-year break from college.
There's another reason employers prefer to hire a marine biologist with a master's degree: to bring proven research experience to the table. Many marine biologists find themselves in research positions or in a combination of study and field research. While the undergraduate study program will focus on acquiring the necessary scientific knowledge, the graduate programs will primarily focus on carrying out significant research based on the knowledge gained. Major employers are unlikely to be willing to train a new employee in the protocols and practice of developing a quality, peer-reviewed research paper.
When it comes to specific classes, you can expect to see some or all of these specific subjects covered in your undergraduate education:
The Marine Biologist program is STEM-focused, but it is also important to understand that there are critical non-scientific requirements it can be the difference between keeping a position or losing it. Having in-depth knowledge of public policies is essential for dealing with issues such as the aforementioned ocean pollution from humans. Being able to communicate effectively is also essential, not only with colleagues but also with the general public.
Some universities that offer degrees in marine biology include Duke, Boston College, University of Tampa, University of North Carolina, and University of Hawaii. All of these schools are conveniently located near an ocean. Another odd twist is that there aren't many marine biologist positions in the state of Hawaii, so expect to move somewhere else after you graduate. But you don't need to have a specific undergraduate degree program to get a marine biologist position. Graduates with degrees in biology, zoology and ecology can also pursue their careers. In addition, environmental sciences come to mind. You can choose one of these alternative paths in the profession if you want additional flexibility to give yourself employment opportunities. Some people may want to pursue a doctorate in marine biology and devote themselves to academic research and teaching. For the purposes of this article, we will only briefly discuss topics related to work and wages, as this is more like a teaching profession than a marine biologist.
To do work
No matter what type of degree you have obtained, the specific requirements for a marine biologist position can vary widely. on a number of factors. We mentioned earlier that the state of Idaho has a relatively high number of positions. So you can expect the job requirements to be different than for a marine biologist in Florida. Field studies and research are two of the most common tasks, but there are others that you can expect to accomplish. In the following list, you probably see at least one surprise. Some useful observations were also made on responsibilities.
Yes, there can be a technological aspect to what is largely a non-technical profession. If you find a job that comes with these kinds of responsibilities, you'll likely find that it's a nice change of pace from more routine tasks.
These are two specific areas where you can truly believe you are making a difference in the future of the marine environment. The last of those two responsibilities is to make you come home at the end of the day, and feel especially good about yourself and your chosen profession.
This last group of two shows how courses such as Public Policy and Communication can be very useful for communicating with the public, businesses or even politicians. Many groups have an interest in the management of the ocean's vast resources, some of which may come into conflict with the health of the marine environment.
All of the above additional requirements are primarily performed by non-management professionals. There is also the managerial aspect of a marine biologist, although this is not the right cup of tea for everyone. It takes more paperwork and politics, but for someone who has spent several years in the field, it can be a career change while remaining active in the field. Some of the management tasks include:
This will likely involve some types of project management software, so you'll want to plan to learn how to use them some day or another. But the gist of both of these management tasks is that most marine biology projects will need to apply for and acquire some type of grant to keep their projects alive. This includes paying everyone.
Notice on this first task that management will do the actual presentation (and will likely need to answer questions), while the non-management marine biologist will be responsible for preparing the presentation. This is one of those situations where it depends on the end of the discussion you want to participate in. The second duty seems to be based on the legal aspect of marine biology, and you will likely be working with not only legal staff, but public policy makers as well.
These two management responsibilities have one thing in common: to effectively engage people so that they take an active role in the overall objective of the project. Project teams need motivation not to lose sight of their purpose, while the public often does not understand the significance of the work of the marine biologist. (This realization often comes too late.)
Some of these unique job responsibilities can add a whole new dimension to your career and allow you to: add dollars to your annual salary. The next section will deal with the issue of salaries, but by this point you should have already placed the issue of salaries in second place, behind the type and purpose of your job as a marine biologist. That's not to say that it isn't important to earn a fair wage, but that pursuing a career as a marine biologist is more about the goal than the pay.
What was Hugh Hefner worth when he died?
Salary and employment
If you thought the last sentence was an omen of what to expect when it comes to pay, you're right. According to research, only one state, Maryland, has a six-figure median salary, which sits in the top 75% of marine biologists. In less statistical terms, few marine biologists earn $ 100 or more per year. This should make it clear that you are not choosing this career path with the hope of retiring early.
But there is good news at the other end of the numbers. The remaining 25% of marine biologists earn about $ 50 per year, with a few exceptions where the median salary drops to about $ 000 per year. This latest issue isn't great news, no matter where you live. Take into account that you spent at least 36 years in college, otherwise 000. You have a graduate degree which, using the simple average method, is between $ 4 and $ 6 for each year spent in school. The student loans you have accrued during this time could actually put you in negative territory. It could take years to break even and try to justify the expense of studying.
There isn't a single reason why wages can be so low; a number of factors are involved. The state of Oklahoma pays marine biologists $ 33 per year, but also has only 630 vacancies statewide. A reasonable person can expect that most of these positions will already be filled, which poses an obvious location problem. In contrast, Rhode Island pays over $ 90 a year but has only 60 vacancies.
The issue of available grants is an important factor in determining salary. If a person from Oklahoma applies to an organization for a grant to conduct research in marine biology, it is likely that it will not be well received. It is not the question of whether the grant application has the best of intentions, but it is in part that many grant-making organizations simply do not understand the nature of what a marine biologist does or its nature. value. Again, unlike the state of Rhode Island, a funder is more likely to award research, not because they understand marine biology better than in Oklahoma, but because the state is close to an ocean and its common sense makes more sense. At the same time, Rhode Island limits the number of marine biologists to 40, while Oklahoma has double that number but pays them half as much.
The general consensus is that if you want to make a good living as a marine biologist, you are going to look at the opportunities offered by the federal government and state governments. This is where you will likely get that median annual salary of $ 50, and your work situation will be relatively stable. Whether at the state or federal level, there is usually not much talk about stopping funding for marine biology projects because politicians have bigger and more popular goals for budget cuts. As a marine biologist, you won't come across a lot of publicity from the government, but sometimes it is good to stand back.
The projected growth rate for the next five years is between 3% and 8%, depending on which study you want to participate in. With job growth forecasts as low as possible, those venturing into the sea will find considerable competition for almost any job. According to the popular opinion of working professionals, obtaining a minimum of master's degrees is the only way to be seriously considered.
Years of experience are a determining factor in determining not only salary, but also securing the most desirable positions. There is not much to wonder if you are only making $ 35 a year and have no hope of upward mobility in your current position. In fact, there is little upward mobility in the field, so the aforementioned dichotomy between field researcher and management is all that is available to most career marine biologists. This is one of the reasons that many people entering the field resort to another college, such as Environmental Science, to test the waters.
Another possibility to consider that can dramatically increase your earning potential is to have a specialization in a related field and move your marine biology specialization to second place. A website, Sapling.com, says you can win at least $ 12 per month (not one year) by combining your career as a marine biologist with a major in biochemistry. There are obvious combinations of majors to consider, but for the purposes of this article relegating the marine biologist to second place seems to defeat the intended purpose. But in the interests of making over $ 000 a year, it's worth including.
Opportunities for fame, not so much for fortune
We want to end the article on a positive note and conclude with some of these outlook and fun facts.
An objective assessment
To end on a serious note, choosing a career as a marine biologist is something you really must love before doing your homework at the best universities to attend. In practice, you envision a minimum of 6 years of college education. If you can graduate without taking out a student loan, you will have more choice in where to work than graduates who start looking for a job with thousands of dollars in debt. If you live near an ocean, you might be able to have a real-world experience that you can plug into your degree and use as a resume builder.
If you choose to work for the government, where most marine biologists work, you need to know and prepare for what it means for your career. You will earn a living wage, but at the state level, you may find yourself looking for another job if politicians are unable to control their spending habits. At this point, you will learn that most people really care about your job.