Marine Biologist Salary in Indiana
2025 Average – Entry to Mid-Level
Marine Biologist Salary in Indiana (2025)
As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Marine Biologist in Indiana is $41,294 per year, which equals about $3,441 per month, $795 per week, or roughly $19.85 per hour.
While Indiana is a landlocked state, opportunities for professionals in aquatic research, environmental conservation, and biological sciences still exist in universities, environmental consultancies, and government agencies studying freshwater ecosystems.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Marine Biologist Jobs in Indiana
We’ve identified 10 cities in Indiana where the typical Marine Biologist salary is above the state average. Carmel ranks highest, followed closely by South Bend and Zionsville. Zionsville’s pay is 1.8% higher than the Indiana average, while Carmel’s average salary is $2,035 (4.9%) above the state average of $41,294.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel | $43,329 | $3,610 | $833 | $20.83 |
| South Bend | $42,531 | $3,544 | $817 | $20.45 |
| Zionsville | $42,020 | $3,501 | $808 | $20.20 |
| Lafayette | $41,826 | $3,485 | $804 | $20.11 |
| Hammond | $41,780 | $3,481 | $803 | $20.09 |
| West Lafayette | $41,754 | $3,479 | $802 | $20.07 |
| Elkhart | $41,521 | $3,460 | $798 | $19.96 |
| Alaska | $41,513 | $3,459 | $798 | $19.96 |
| Indianapolis | $41,481 | $3,456 | $797 | $19.94 |
| Evansville | $41,378 | $3,448 | $795 | $19.89 |
Insights:
- Carmel leads the list as the highest-paying city for Marine Biologists in Indiana.
- The difference between the highest and lowest city salaries is only about 4%, suggesting limited wage variation across the state.
- Marine Biologists seeking higher earnings might benefit from roles in academic research, environmental assessment, or biotech sectors.
Top 5 Best Paying Related Marine Biologist Jobs in Indiana
We also identified several related positions that offer higher annual salaries than typical Marine Biologist roles in Indiana. These include positions in general biology, environmental biology, and educational sectors.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biologist | $85,073 | $7,089 | $1,636 | $40.90 |
| Environmental Biology | $80,049 | $6,670 | $1,539 | $38.49 |
| Biology | $66,526 | $5,543 | $1,279 | $31.98 |
| Biology Teacher | $49,662 | $4,138 | $955 | $23.88 |
| Medical Biology | $42,861 | $3,571 | $824 | $20.61 |
Key Takeaways:
- Biologist and Environmental Biology positions can earn up to 106% more than the average Marine Biologist salary in the state.
- Professionals with advanced degrees, experience in environmental sciences, or data analytics skills can access more lucrative opportunities.
- Teaching positions such as Biology Teacher provide stable income with benefits, making them a strong alternative career path.
Career Outlook for Marine Biologists in Indiana
Although Indiana does not have direct access to the ocean, it is home to many freshwater research programs, environmental protection agencies, and biotech research institutions.
Marine and aquatic biologists may find rewarding work in:
- Environmental impact assessment,
- Conservation organizations,
- University research labs, and
- Ecological monitoring projects focused on rivers and lakes.
Demand for biology-related professionals is expected to remain steady through 2030, especially in fields related to water quality, wildlife ecology, and environmental sustainability.
