Average Marine Biologist Salary in Louisiana 2025
2025 Average – Entry to Mid-Level
Marine Biologist Salary in Louisiana (2025)
As of 2025, the average annual salary for Marine Biologists in Louisiana is $37,109, which translates to approximately $3,093 per month, $714 per week, or $17.84 per hour.
Louisiana’s coastal and marine environments—including the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi Delta, and Atchafalaya Basin—make it one of the most dynamic regions in the U.S. for marine and aquatic research. Marine Biologists in Louisiana play vital roles in wetland restoration, fisheries management, and environmental conservation, particularly in areas affected by coastal erosion and oil industry impacts.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Marine Biologist Jobs in Louisiana
We’ve identified 10 cities where the typical salary for a Marine Biologist job is above the state average. Bossier City ranks highest, followed closely by Addis and Houma. Houma surpasses the Louisiana average by 13.1%, while Bossier City leads with salaries $5,905 (15.9%) higher than the state average.
The salary range across these top 10 cities varies modestly—only about 8% between Bossier City and LaPlace—indicating limited wage variation but potential advantages from lower living costs in certain areas.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bossier City | $43,014 | $3,584 | $827 | $20.68 |
| Addis | $42,837 | $3,569 | $823 | $20.59 |
| Houma | $41,954 | $3,496 | $806 | $20.17 |
| Monroe | $41,744 | $3,478 | $802 | $20.07 |
| Jefferson | $40,500 | $3,375 | $778 | $19.47 |
| New Orleans | $40,013 | $3,334 | $769 | $19.24 |
| Alexandria | $39,974 | $3,331 | $768 | $19.22 |
| Lake Charles | $39,829 | $3,319 | $765 | $19.15 |
| Denham Springs | $39,746 | $3,312 | $764 | $19.11 |
| LaPlace | $39,668 | $3,305 | $762 | $19.07 |
Key Takeaways:
- Bossier City offers the highest pay for Marine Biologists in Louisiana.
- New Orleans and Houma remain prime areas for coastal and fisheries-related research.
- With salaries showing only slight variation, cost of living and career growth opportunities are crucial factors when choosing a city.
Top 5 Best Paying Related Marine Biologist Jobs in Louisiana
We found at least five related job titles that pay more than the average Marine Biologist salary in Louisiana. These include Environmental Biology, Mathematical Biology, and General Biology—fields that often involve data modeling, environmental policy, or academic research.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Biology | $71,936 | $5,994 | $1,383 | $34.58 |
| Mathematical Biology | $56,263 | $4,688 | $1,081 | $27.05 |
| Biology | $55,205 | $4,600 | $1,061 | $26.54 |
| Biology Teacher | $44,629 | $3,719 | $858 | $21.46 |
| Medical Biology | $38,517 | $3,209 | $740 | $18.52 |
Career Insights:
- Environmental Biologists earn almost double the base Marine Biologist salary.
- Mathematical and General Biologists often find opportunities in universities, research institutions, and environmental consulting firms.
- Teaching and medical biology roles offer stable employment options for biology professionals across the state.
Career Outlook for Marine Biologists in Louisiana
With one of the largest coastal wetland ecosystems in the U.S., Louisiana is at the forefront of marine conservation and coastal research. Marine Biologists here often collaborate with agencies and organizations such as:
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF)
- Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON)
- NOAA Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Division
- Private environmental consulting firms
Professionals with skills in GIS, environmental restoration, fisheries biology, and coastal ecosystem management will find strong job prospects and long-term research opportunities.
