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Marine Biologist Entry Level information

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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do marine biologist entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for marine biologist entry level in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges entry-level marine biologists face when starting in the field?

Entry-level marine biologists often encounter challenges such as adapting to fieldwork in diverse and sometimes harsh marine environments, managing long or irregular hours, and learning to use specialized equipment for data collection. Additionally, new professionals may need to balance administrative tasks, like data entry and report writing, with hands-on research. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, conservationists, and government agencies, is essential for success and professional growth in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Marine Biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Marine Biologist, you generally need a bachelor's degree in marine biology or a related field, with strong skills in scientific research, data analysis, and fieldwork techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, GIS software, and data collection tools is often required, along with certifications such as scuba diving for underwater research. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and presenting findings. These abilities are essential for accurate research, ensuring safety, and contributing valuable insights to marine conservation efforts.

What is the difference between Marine Biologist Entry Level vs Marine Technician?

AspectMarine Biologist Entry LevelMarine Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Marine Biology or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Marine Technology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field research sites, aquariumsMarine vessels, research facilities, underwater equipment maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, environmental agenciesMarine research companies, government agencies, aquaculture

Marine Biologist Entry Level and Marine Technician roles share some foundational knowledge in marine sciences, but they differ mainly in focus. Marine Biologists typically conduct research and study marine life, while Marine Technicians focus on maintaining and operating marine equipment. Both roles often require related degrees and work in marine environments, but their daily tasks and career paths vary accordingly.

What does an entry-level marine biologist do?

An entry-level marine biologist typically assists with research projects, collects and analyzes samples from oceans or other bodies of water, and helps monitor marine life and their environments. They may work in the field, on boats, or in laboratories, supporting senior scientists with data collection, equipment maintenance, and basic experiments. Entry-level marine biologists often participate in environmental impact studies, conservation programs, and public education efforts about marine ecosystems. This role provides foundational experience and skills for advancing in the marine biology field.

What Does an Entry-Level Marine Biologist Do?

Entry-level marine biologists study and research the animals and organisms that live in the ocean and the ocean itself. Marine biology spans the study of ocean life, plants, habitats, animals, and how human activities impact the marine ecosystem. Your responsibilities in a marine biologist role include researching and studying organisms, obtaining and evaluating samples of marine life, water, and plants, and developing educational materials and presentations from your findings. You may also recommend changes to enhance the viability of marine ecosystems and assist in the conservation of plants and animals. Your duties often involve fieldwork and spending time outdoors, but they can also encompass laboratory and research work.

More about Marine Biologist Entry Level jobs
What cities are hiring for Marine Biologist Entry Level jobs? Cities with the most Marine Biologist Entry Level job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Marine Biologist jobs? The most popular types of Marine Biologist jobs are:
What states have the most Marine Biologist Entry Level jobs? States with the most job openings for Marine Biologist Entry Level jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Marine Biologist Entry Level jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Marine Biologist Entry Level jobs are:
Marine Biologist Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Biologist Entry Level job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.
Science Lab Assistant

Science Lab Assistant

Hawaii Pacific University

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$18.27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Hawaii Pacific University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Salary: $18.27 Hourly
Location : HPU Downtown Campus; Honolulu
Job Type: Staff - Regular Full Time Non-Exempt
Job Number: 02690
Department: Science Lab
Opening Date: 04/28/2026
Hawai'i Pacific University is designated as an Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian (ANNH) Serving Institution by the US Department of Education. As such, we strive for accurate displays of the Hawaiian language in all our institutional materials. This includes the appropriate use of diacritical marks such as the 'okina and kahako. Unfortunately, at times external vendors and other third-party technology integrations do not support the use of these characters. Mahalo for your understanding.
Description
Job Summary:
Entry level position for an assistant to the Manager of the Instructional Science Laboratories who will assist in the maintenance of the laboratories and in the set up and implementation of all laboratory courses offered by the College of Natural and Computational Sciences.
Location: This position is located in downtown Honolulu at our Fort Street Science Labs.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Marine Science or related scientific field
  • One year experience in a university science laboratory setting
  • One year experience with handling and maintaining laboratory equipment
  • Possess a valid driver's license and clean driving abstract
  • Current certification in CPR, first aid and AED or obtain certification within 30 calendar days of hire.
Desired Qualifications:
  • One year work experience as a lab assistant in support of multi-disciplinary undergraduate teaching labs
  • One year experience with handling and maintaining field laboratory equipment
  • Oral and written communication skills to support effective interaction with various levels of employees including students, faculty, and staff
  • Ability to listen actively and demonstrate understanding
  • Ability to make timely decisions appropriate to fit situation, circumstances, and facts at hand, including in emergency situations
  • Ability to visualize concepts presented verbally and in rough sketches
  • Ability to follow an activity, project, or plan of action through implementation
  • Ability to meet deadlines for assigned reports and projects
Other Qualifications:
  • Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU's winter break, if necessary.
  • Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Protection of Minors policy.
  • Able to work all shifts and extended hours.
  • Upon hire, candidate must have reliable transportation to all HPU worksites and other locations as required by the position.
  • Successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that utilize excellent time and stress management skills.

Key Responsibilities/Essential Job Functions:
1. Assist in set-up of preparations for scheduled laboratory sessions. (30%)
  • Perform and/or assist in the preparation of all solutions, chemical, reagents, media, etc. needed to support laboratory sessions.
  • Assist in maintaining stock cultures of bacteria, fungi, fruit flies and other organisms.
2. Perform laboratory maintenance routines to include such activities as physical cleaning of the laboratories, stock room and office-storage space. (30%)
  • Clean and store material from each laboratory session, including glassware, instruments and supplies.
  • Monitor laboratory equipment on a routine basis, and informs the Director of any equipment needing service and/or repair.
  • Assist in the monitoring and maintenance of the laboratories' safety equipment.
3. Assist in maintaining an adequate stock of supplies, etc. needed to operate the University Science Laboratories. Assist in the determination of materials and supplies required to support current and future laboratory sessions as established by the curriculum. (15%)
4.Provide assistance to users during scheduled laboratory sessions and unscheduled times. (10%)
5.Perform the collection of organisms needed for laboratory sessions from land and water. (5%)
6. Performs other related duties as assigned (5%)
  • Actively participates as an effective member of team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments or reassignments.
  • Assists with seasonal peaks.

This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time.
Hawaii Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawaii Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.
Hawai'i Pacific University is a learning community where staff, faculty, and more than 5,000 students come together from around the world to learn and work in a spirit of caring, honesty, freedom, and 'ohana (family).
Cooperation, communication, and collegiality are the foundation of our community. We fulfill the responsibilities of our educational mission through mutual trust and respect, innovation and involvement, expertise, and intellectual fellowship. We offer all members of our community the opportunity to excel, including resources and rewards commensurate with individual contributions and potential. As a team, we are committed to serving our local and global communities and embrace our values of aloha, pono, and kuleana.
We seek talented and energetic people who thrive on challenge and innovation in supporting the mission and values of our university. HPU offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
For student employment, please visit
Why consider a career with HPU? Here are some of the benefits of employment . . .
Time Off A generous schedule that recognizes 15 holidays annually, plus winter break days off between Christmas and New Year's. Eligible employees also receive vacation, sick and other types of paid leave.
Tuition Waiver Full time employees and spouse/dependent children pursuing a higher education degree at HPU may apply for a tuition waiver.
Health and WellnessComprehensive health insurance, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program and wellness program.
Retirement Plan Eligible employees can start saving for the future and enroll in the Hawai'i Pacific University 403(b) retirement plan upon hire.
Discounts Discounts for products and services including airlines, rental car, hotels, theme parks, attractions, gift cards, restaurants, and more.
01
Do you possess a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Marine Science or related scientific field?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have one year experience in a university science laboratory setting ?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have one year experience with handling and maintaining laboratory equipment ?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have a valid driver's license and clean driving abstract?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have a current certification in CPR, first aid and AED or obtain certification within 30 calendar days of hire. ?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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