To become a marine biologist, you'll earn a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, wildlife biology or a related field, gain field experience through internships or volunteering, and for higher-level roles add a master's degree. To lead your own research projects, you'll typically need a Ph.D.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counts marine biologists within zoologists and wildlife biologists, the scientists who study animals and how they interact with their ecosystems. Here's the path.
Figures come from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, read on 26 October 2026.
How to become a marine biologist, step by step
- Earn a bachelor's degree. Zoology, wildlife biology or biology with zoology coursework are common. Expect lab work, field work, math and statistics.
- Get field experience early. BLS points to internships, volunteer work and jobs during college.
- Pick a specialty. Cetologists study marine mammals such as whales and dolphins, and ichthyologists study wild fish such as sharks.
- Go to graduate school if you want to lead. A master's opens higher-level roles, and a Ph.D. is typically needed for independent research.
- Build your practical skills. Field roles can mean boats, remote locations and heavy equipment.
The degree ladder matters more than the degree name
Here's the insight that changes planning. BLS is clear that a bachelor's degree gets you entry-level work, a master's gets you higher-level positions and a Ph.D. is what lets you run your own projects and control their direction. So if your dream is designing your own ocean research, plan for graduate school from the start rather than treating it as an option.
The practical side surprises people too. BLS says some zoologists and wildlife biologists need outdoor skills for remote work, including driving a boat or an all-terrain vehicle, using a generator and providing for themselves in the field.
What marine biologists earn
| Employer | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Scientific and technical consulting services | $84,570 |
| Research and development in the sciences | $84,110 |
| Government | $78,650 |
| State colleges and universities | $78,630 |
Those figures are as of October 2026. Across all zoologists and wildlife biologists, the median was $76,780, with the lowest 10% earning less than $49,100 and the highest 10% more than $126,440.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average, with about 1,400 openings each year. There were 19,500 jobs in 2025, so it's a small, competitive field.
What the work involves
- Designing and running studies of animals in natural or controlled settings
- Collecting and analyzing specimens and biological data
- Estimating and monitoring wildlife populations and invasive species
- Analyzing how human activity affects wildlife and habitats
- Writing research papers and presenting findings to academics, policymakers and the public
- Developing conservation plans
BLS highlights attention to detail, critical thinking, teamwork and communication. Data skills matter a great deal, which is why this look at data science jobs, remote and in the office is useful background. If you're aiming for a university research career, our guide on how to become a professor covers the academic route.
Before you commit to marine biology
- How far do I want to go? Leading research usually means a Ph.D.
- Am I happy working outdoors in tough conditions? Field roles can be remote and physical.
- Do I enjoy statistics and writing? Analysis and papers are a big part of the job.
- Am I ready to compete? With about 1,400 openings a year across the whole group, experience is what sets applicants apart.
Zoologist or wildlife biologist?
The two roles often overlap, but BLS draws a useful line. Zoologists typically research certain types of animals, such as birds, while wildlife biologists study specific ecosystems or animal populations, such as an at-risk species. Marine biologists can sit on either side: studying one group, like whales or sharks, or studying an ocean habitat as a whole.
The work includes scientific tests and experiments, such as taking blood samples to check an animal's health, and researching habitats. Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time, in offices and labs as well as outdoors gathering data, so expect a mix of fieldwork and desk work rather than days spent entirely at sea.
One more practical tip. Because jobs are spread across consulting firms, research organizations, government agencies and universities, look at all four when you search for internships. Each one gives you a different kind of experience, from applied environmental work to pure research.
My verdict
Becoming a marine biologist is a long game built on a science degree, field experience and, for research roles, graduate study. Start volunteering and interning as early as you can, get comfortable with statistics, and decide early whether you want to lead projects, because that decides how far you'll need to study. It's competitive, but it's one of the most rewarding science careers there is.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do you need to be a marine biologist?
A bachelor's degree in zoology, wildlife biology, biology or a related field for entry-level roles, a master's for higher-level jobs and a Ph.D. for independent research.
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How much do marine biologists make?
BLS includes them with zoologists and wildlife biologists, whose median was $76,780 a year in May 2025.
Is marine biology a competitive field?
Yes. BLS counted 19,500 zoologists and wildlife biologists in 2025, with about 1,400 openings a year.
Do marine biologists need a Ph.D.?
Not for entry-level roles, but BLS says a Ph.D. is typically needed to lead independent research projects.
What do marine biologists study?
Animals that live in the ocean and their habitats. Specialists include cetologists, who study whales and dolphins, and ichthyologists, who study fish.
What skills do marine biologists need?
Attention to detail, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, statistics and, for field roles, outdoor skills such as driving a boat.
How do you get experience in marine biology?
BLS points to internships, volunteer work and jobs during college.
Do marine biologists work outdoors?
Partly. BLS says they work in offices and laboratories and may also spend time outdoors studying animals in their habitats.
Do marine biologists need math?
Yes. BLS says students may need math and statistics to learn data analysis.
Who employs marine biologists?
Scientific and technical consulting firms, research and development organizations, government and universities are among the top employers BLS lists.
How long does it take to become a marine biologist?
A bachelor's degree for entry-level work, then longer if you add a master's or Ph.D. for higher-level or research roles.
