Average Marine Biologist Salary in Idaho in 2025
2025 Average – Entry to Mid-Level
Marine Biologist Salary in Idaho (2025)
As of 2025, the average annual salary for Marine Biologists in Idaho is $40,831, which equals about $3,402 per month, $785 per week, or approximately $19.63 per hour.
While Idaho is a landlocked state, it offers unique aquatic research opportunities through its extensive rivers, lakes, and watershed ecosystems. Marine Biologists and Aquatic Scientists in Idaho often work in freshwater biology, conservation, and environmental monitoring—particularly along the Snake River Basin and Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Marine Biologist Jobs in Idaho
We’ve identified ten cities where Marine Biologists typically earn above the state average. Saint Maries ranks highest, followed by Lewiston and Pocatello. Pocatello’s salaries surpass the Idaho average by 4.5%, while Saint Maries leads the state with wages $3,229 (7.9%) higher than the average.
Because salaries vary by only about 6% between Saint Maries and Caldwell, professionals may find that cost of living differences play a bigger role in choosing where to work rather than salary variation alone.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Maries | $44,060 | $3,671 | $847 | $21.18 |
| Lewiston | $43,452 | $3,621 | $835 | $20.89 |
| Pocatello | $42,665 | $3,555 | $820 | $20.51 |
| Post Falls | $42,591 | $3,549 | $819 | $20.48 |
| Coeur d’Alene | $42,390 | $3,532 | $815 | $20.38 |
| Boise | $42,197 | $3,516 | $811 | $20.29 |
| Meridian | $42,069 | $3,505 | $809 | $20.23 |
| Nampa | $41,539 | $3,461 | $798 | $19.97 |
| Shelley | $41,334 | $3,444 | $794 | $19.87 |
| Caldwell | $41,308 | $3,442 | $794 | $19.86 |
Key Takeaways:
- Saint Maries leads the state for Marine Biologist salaries.
- Boise and Coeur d’Alene offer strong opportunities with access to statewide environmental research programs.
- Salary growth potential across Idaho is steady but limited, meaning long-term increases rely more on experience and education.
Top 5 Best Paying Related Marine Biologist Jobs in Idaho
Several related biology and environmental science fields in Idaho pay significantly more than traditional Marine Biologist roles. Examples include Environmental Biology, Mathematical Biology, and General Biology positions, which often involve data analysis, ecological modeling, and laboratory research.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Biology | $79,151 | $6,595 | $1,522 | $38.05 |
| Mathematical Biology | $71,851 | $5,987 | $1,381 | $34.54 |
| Biology | $70,500 | $5,875 | $1,355 | $33.89 |
| Biology Teacher | $49,105 | $4,092 | $944 | $23.61 |
| Medical Biology | $42,381 | $3,531 | $815 | $20.38 |
Career Insights:
- Environmental Biologists earn nearly double the average Marine Biologist salary.
- Mathematical and General Biologists in Idaho can find higher-paying roles in universities, labs, and environmental consulting firms.
- Teaching and medical biology provide consistent career paths with reliable pay and benefits.
Career Outlook for Marine Biologists in Idaho
Even though Idaho lacks a coastline, its freshwater ecosystems make it an ideal environment for aquatic biologists, environmental scientists, and research professionals. Major employers and research hubs include:
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG)
- Boise State University Department of Biological Sciences
- University of Idaho College of Natural Resources
- Environmental consulting and water resource management firms
Professionals with skills in ecology, water quality assessment, GIS mapping, and data-driven environmental analysis can expect strong employment prospects across the state.
