The average salary for a marine biologist in Hawaii is approximately $71,000 per year. Entry-level positions start around $50,000, while experienced marine biologists can earn over $90,000 annually. Salaries vary based on education, experience, and the specific employer, including research institutions, government, or private industry.
Marine biologists in Hawaii earn between $40,000 and $125,000 per year depending on experience level, employer and job title. How much does a marine biologist make in Hawaii? This can vary greatly based on experience, job title and location within the state. Biologists in Honolulu earn the highest wages, especially in advanced roles such as Biologist IV and V.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biologist I (Entry-Level) | $60,489 | $29.08 | Honolulu, HI |
| Biologist II | $71,136 | $34.20 | Honolulu, HI |
| Biologist III | $88,164 | $42.39 | Honolulu, HI |
| Biologist IV | $122,691 | $58.99 | Honolulu, HI |
| Biologist V | $133,193 | $64.04 | Honolulu, HI |
| NOAA Marine Biologist | $82,484 | – | Hawaii |
| Average (All Levels) | $91,632–$91,981 | – | Honolulu, HI |
| Entry-Level (General) | $40,000–$60,000 | – | Hawaii |
| Experienced | $83,500–$125,000 | – | Hawaii |
| All Hawaii (ZipRecruiter) | $45,087 | $21.68 | Hawaii |
| Hawaii Pacific Univ. | $81,000 | $39 | Hawaii |
Marine Biology Careers
Marine biology is a cool and important field that studies marine organisms, their behaviors and their interactions with the environment. As a marine biologist you might find yourself exploring coral reefs, studying whale migrations or analyzing the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. This career is not just about scientific discovery but also about conservation and sustainable management of our oceans.
In Hawaii the allure of marine biology is strong due to the state’s unique marine biodiversity and the presence of research institutions and federal agencies. Aspiring marine biologists in Hawaii can expect to do fieldwork in beautiful natural settings, laboratory research and data analysis. The journey starts with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related field but advanced degrees can open up higher paying positions and specialized roles.
What Affects Marine Biologist Salaries in Hawaii?
Marine biologist salaries in Hawaii are based on job title, experience, education and employer type. Entry-level professionals earn $50,000-$60,000, while experienced experts earn $90,000 or more. Government positions and NOAA jobs offer consistent salaries with federal benefits. Private sector jobs sometimes pay more but offer less long-term stability.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree is the minimum, but master’s or doctoral degrees increase earnings significantly. Professionals who continuously learn and pursue certifications can also see a positive impact on their salaries.
- Experience: More experience means higher job titles like Biologist IV or V which command six-figure salaries.
- Employer: Government and research institutions pay differently. Universities may offer benefits but lower pay.
Where Do Marine Biologists Work in Hawaii?
Most marine biologists work in Honolulu due to its proximity to universities, research labs and federal offices. Other areas also have jobs but with fewer openings. The purpose of these roles often goes beyond research and aims to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
Common employer types:
- Federal Agencies (e.g., NOAA)
- Universities (e.g., Hawaii Pacific University)
- Private Environmental Consulting Firms
- State Agencies
Each offers different compensation packages and benefits.
Highest Paying Cities for Marine Biologists in Hawaii
When it comes to earning potential, location plays a big role for marine biologists in Hawaii. Honolulu is the top paying city, offering some of the highest wages in the state. This is mainly due to the concentration of universities, research institutions and federal agencies in the area.
For example, marine biologists in Honolulu can earn between $60,489 and $133,193 per year depending on job title and experience level. Other cities in Hawaii also offer good salaries but not as high as Honolulu. For example, marine biologists in Hilo and Kailua-Kona can earn slightly lower wages but still benefit from the state’s high demand for marine science professionals. These cities have opportunities in state agencies, private environmental consulting firms and non-profit organizations focused on marine conservation.
How Much Do Marine Biologists Make Per Hour in Hawaii?
Marine biologists earn an average hourly wage of $21.68-$64.04 based on the job. These wages can vary by day especially for jobs that include shift work or weekend duties. Entry-level workers earn about $29/hour while senior roles like Biologist V earn over $64/hour.
Additional Pay Factors: Cost of Living and Hazard Pay
High cost of living in Hawaii affects salary packages. Some jobs include cost-of-living adjustments or locality pay. Federal jobs especially factor this into their salary structures.
- Hazard pay or field stipends are sometimes added for remote or risky fieldwork, especially for NOAA employees and research staff. Also, reviewing contracts and grants thoroughly can help ensure all potential sources of additional compensation are considered.
Job Opportunities and Growth in Marine Biology
The job market for marine biologists in Hawaii is strong with steady demand for professionals in this field. The state’s unique marine environment and the presence of research institutions create many opportunities for marine biologists. Federal agencies like NOAA, universities such as Hawaii Pacific University and private consulting firms are the main employers.
The growth prospects for marine biologists in Hawaii are good, driven by increasing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable management of marine resources. As climate change and human activities impact marine ecosystems, the expertise of marine biologists becomes more critical. This growing demand is reflected in the number of roles available from research and conservation to policy-making and education.
For those looking to advance their careers, getting additional qualifications such as a master’s or doctoral degree can significantly increase job prospects and earnings. Also, marine biologists can increase their marketability by gaining experience in specialized areas such as marine biotechnology or environmental impact assessment. The combination of a strong educational background, relevant experience and passion for marine science can lead to a rewarding and well-compensated career in Hawaii.
How to Increase Your Marine Biologist Salary in Hawaii
To boost earnings, professionals can get advanced degrees:
- Take on research grants or consulting projects
- Move into higher job titles
- Work with private firms on specialized projects
Many marine biologists supplement income through contract work or academic grants especially in research-heavy roles.
Common Questions Marine Biologist Pay in Hawaii
Below are typical questions.
Do marine biologists in Hawaii get paid extra for fieldwork or hazardous conditions?
Yes. Federal and research roles may include hazard pay or fieldwork stipends but this depends on the employer and project.
How do cost-of-living adjustments affect marine biologist salaries in Hawaii?
Employers often include locality pay or cost-of-living adjustments. This increases salaries especially for government employees.
Are there big salary differences between marine biologists working for universities versus private consulting firms in Hawaii?
Yes. Universities may offer lower base salaries but better benefits. Private firms pay more for short-term, specialized roles.
Can marine biologists in Hawaii earn extra income through grants or contract work?
Yes. Many marine biologists earn extra income through academic grants, teaching or environmental consulting.
Final Points
Marine biologist salary in Hawaii is $71,000 on average but ranges from $40,000 to over $125,000. Job title, employer and experience matter. Honolulu is the main location for high paying jobs and many earn extra income through grants, consulting or fieldwork stipends.
