How Much Does A Marine Biologist Make?

Find out what marine biologists earn in the UK, training required, career paths, pros and cons, and the best employers in ocean science.

How Much Does a Marine Biologist Make? Salary, Career & Training Guide

Marine biologists study the oceans and the organisms that live in them, from plankton to whales. Their work contributes to conservation, climate science, fisheries management, and environmental policy. While the role is fascinating and meaningful, it's also competitive and often underpaid at entry levels.

Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a marine biologist in the UK, what they earn, what qualifications you need, job levels, and where the top roles are.

Job Description: What Does a Marine Biologist Do?

Marine biologists study life in saltwater environments, often focusing on species, habitats, or ecosystems. They conduct fieldwork, analyse data, and contribute to conservation, education, and scientific discovery.

Responsibilities:

  • Conducting field research at sea or along coastlines

  • Collecting and analysing biological samples (water, animals, sediment)

  • Using GPS, sonar, drones and ROVs to monitor marine life

  • Publishing reports, studies, and academic papers

  • Advising on conservation, fisheries, or environmental policy

  • Giving talks, writing grant proposals, or teaching at university

  • Collaborating with ecologists, oceanographers, and policymakers

How Hard Is It to Become a Marine Biologist?

It’s academically demanding and highly competitive, especially for well-funded field jobs. You’ll typically need at least a Bachelor’s and often a Master’s or PhD, especially for research or university-based roles.

Many marine biologists start as volunteers or interns to build experience.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Curiosity about the natural world

  • Strong scientific and analytical skills

  • Physical stamina – fieldwork can be intense

  • Comfort in boats or underwater (diving is common)

  • Detail-focused and methodical

  • Good writing and communication – for reports, funding, and outreach

  • Teamwork and adaptability, especially in remote locations

Do You Need Qualifications?

Yes. Most marine biology jobs require a science degree and sometimes postgraduate qualifications.

Education path:

  1. A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Maths preferred)

  2. BSc in Marine Biology / Oceanography / Environmental Science (3–4 years)

  3. MSc or MRes (1–2 years) for more specialised roles

  4. PhD (3–4 years) for research, teaching or leadership roles

Additional helpful qualifications:

  • Diving certifications (PADI / HSE Commercial)

  • GIS, R, or Python for data science and spatial modelling

  • Boating licences or marine safety training

Career Levels and Specialisations

Field Assistant / Intern - Entry-level, often unpaid

Research Technician - Lab or data support for senior researchers

Marine Biologist (MSc) - Mid-level, analysis or policy focus

Principal Scientist / Project Lead - Senior position on funded projects

University Lecturer / Professor - Academic teaching and research

Government Adviser / Consultant - Policy and regulatory work

Specialisations:

  • Coral reef ecosystems

  • Marine mammals (e.g., dolphins, seals)

  • Deep sea biology

  • Fisheries science

  • Marine microbiology

  • Marine conservation and policy

  • Aquaculture and marine farming

  • Marine pollution and plastics

What Experience Do You Need?

  • Volunteering or internships with conservation organisations

  • Field research experience (including diving or boat work)

  • Data analysis, lab work, or report writing

  • Experience with ecological software, GIS, or coding

  • Public engagement or science communication

  • Project coordination or grant writing helps in senior roles

Benefits of Being a Marine Biologist

  • Incredible field opportunities—travel, diving, remote locations

  • Meaningful work—conservation, climate science, sustainability

  • Multidisciplinary and intellectually rewarding

  • Can specialise in what you love (sharks, reefs, whales, ecosystems)

  • Global career options in NGOs, governments, or academia

  • Flexible working in some research or consultancy roles

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Highly competitive job market, especially in fieldwork

  • Lower starting salaries than other science sectors

  • Unpaid or low-paid early-career roles common

  • Funding pressure in research and academia

  • Travel and time away from home in field-heavy roles

  • Physically tough and weather-dependent work conditions

Marine Biologist Salary Levels in the UK

Intern / Volunteer - £0 – £10,000 (unpaid/stipend)

Research Assistant / Tech - £18,000 – £24,000

Marine Biologist (MSc) - £25,000 – £35,000

Senior Researcher / Consultant - £36,000 – £50,000+

Professor / Policy Lead - £55,000 – £80,000+

Tax Example (on £35,000):

  • Income Tax: ~£4,432

  • National Insurance: ~£3,149

  • Take-home pay: ~£27,419/year or £527/week

What Factors Affect Salary?

  • Sector – Government and consultancy often pay more than charities

  • Education level – PhD can boost senior pay

  • Location – London roles and international fieldwork often pay higher

  • Type of work – Policy roles and risk consulting pay more than academia

  • Funding availability – Grants influence researcher salaries

  • Reputation and publication record (for academic roles)

What’s the Future for Marine Biologists?

Strong. The marine sector is growing due to:

  • Climate change impacts on oceans

  • Plastic pollution and marine waste management

  • Marine protected areas (MPAs) expansion

  • Offshore wind and marine renewables

  • Fisheries sustainability and aquaculture research

  • Deep-sea exploration and blue carbon research

Scientists with tech, policy, or communication skills will be especially in demand.

Best Companies and Institutions for Marine Biologists

Cefas (UK Govt) - Marine science and fisheries

Marine Conservation Society - Public education and conservation

ZSL (Zoological Society of London) - Marine ecosystem research

WWF / Greenpeace / Fauna & Flora - Policy and global conservation

Universities (Plymouth, Southampton, Bangor, St Andrews) - Top marine science courses

JNCC / Natural England - Marine and coastal monitoring

British Antarctic Survey - Polar marine ecology

Private consultancies (e.g. APEM, ABPmer) -Environmental Impact Assessments

Final Thought

Marine biology is one of the most exciting and meaningful careers for anyone passionate about the ocean. It requires scientific skill, physical stamina, and academic dedication—but offers field adventures, global career paths, and the chance to protect our planet’s most vital ecosystems.