What Is the Employment Outlook for a Marine Biologist?
The employment outlook for a Marine Biologist is diversified and growing. With the impact of pollution and climate change, this field is becoming more important. Environmental changes, man-made influences and geologic changes make this one of the fastest growing occupations within next ten years.
Marine Biology is the study of marine life, habitat, behavior, inter-species relationships and man-made environmental impact. The field is very diverse, to specializing to studying one species of shark in a particular geographic region to finding new medicines from marine life. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, all biological science jobs are expected to grow by 21% by 2018.
In this highly competitive field, most achieve a doctoral degree wherein they can find employment from colleges, universities, US government, pharmaceutical companies and other private industries. Many achieve bachelors or masters degrees and find work as high school teachers or college professors. Other employment opportunities include sales, marketing, publishing and research.
Expected income for a zoologist, biologist (including marine biologist) May 2008:
- Highest earning: $90,850
- Middle income: $43,060 and $70,500
- Lower income: $33,550
Cite: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to NOAA, the actual title "Marine Biologist" rarely exists. Some job descriptions include:
- Biological Technician
- Ichthyologist
- Fishery Biologist
- Marine Mammalogist
- Microbiologist
The pharmaceutical field is also searching for new drugs derived from sea life. While chemical companies seek to create new compounds from sea organisms defenses and adaptations.
College courses can be taken all over the US. California, Louisiana and University of Michigan are only a few states and colleges that offer marine biology courses.